keeping lake tanganyika cichlids

[dusk92]

I'm considering setting up a Lake Tanganyika Cichlid tank and I'm looking for some guidance on the basics of keeping these fish. As a complete newbie to this type of fish, I'd appreciate some starting points for further research.

Some of the species that have caught my eye include the Blue Neon Cichlid, Daffodil Cichlid, Fairy Cichlid, Lamprologus caudopunctatus, Sardine Cichlid, Tanganyikan Butterfly, and the White-tailed Brichardi.

I'd be grateful if someone could share some fundamental steps in caring for these fish.

[fluxon4]

What size tank are you planning to set up for your Lake Tanganyika Cichlids. I'd like to mention that C. leptosoma, or cyps for short, generally thrive in tanks that are at least 4 feet in length. Also, could you tell me if you have hard or soft water in your area, as this will be a crucial factor in setting up your tank. When it comes to stocking a Tanganyikan tank, it's vital to get the right mix of fish. For instance, open water fish like cyps and nigripinnis can coexist with rock dwellers like Neolamprologus, which will occupy that space. Then there are your shell dwellers, multis, and so on.

[bolt9x]

Mixing multiple Neolamprologus species isn't the best approach.

[oakleyride]

I'm with bolt9x on this one. Adding multiple Neolamprologus species, especially the three from the brichardi complex, can be a recipe for disaster. You've got two main concerns here - the first is aggression, as they'll likely fight with each other. The second is the possibility of hybridization, which isn't ideal.

[tigor]

Hi dusk92, I'm new here but I specialize in Tanganyikan cichlids. I see you want to mix three different Neolamprologus species, which isn't a good idea due to the possibility of hybrids. In reality, you can mix Daffodil and White-tailed Brichardi, but you have to be extremely careful and make sure they pair up. If you have two pairs, you can observe them, but no more.

[zenrow]

Hi, sorry for the late reply, not been on here for a while.

I've only ever kept Tanganyikan cichlids, so no tropical fish experience to speak of. The species you've chosen are a great mix, though. A 4' tank would be a good size to house a couple of different types. The key is giving each species its own little territory or environment.

For Paracyprichromis nigripinnis, I've not kept them myself (yet!), but I've heard slate stacked at one end of the tank with overhangs works well. They love hanging at all angles under the slate and in caves - looks amazing in the shaded part of the tank.

The brichardi and pulcher are pretty similar, so just pick one for your tank. They'll use the rocks and, if they breed, will take care of the fry. Each new generation will care for the next, so they'll eventually take over the tank.

Lamprologus caudopunctatus are rock dwellers, but they'll also spawn in shells. They love digging in the sand and work well in a community, as they only take up a small territory. I've got a pair that follows each other everywhere, ignoring everything else, always patrolling the tank with their yellow dorsal fin erect - nice to see.

A good mix for a 4' tank would be:
- Xenotilapia for the open sand at the bottom
- Cyprichromis for the open water
- Paracyps or punctatus on the rocks
These three make for a nice, peaceful community. I've tried it and it worked well.

Sorry for going on, hope this helps, all the best, Sean