Leleupi – Wild Caught : “Cichlid, Lemon Neolamprologus leleupi is a stunning African cichlid native to Lake Tanganyika with a calm demeanor. It is a tiny cichlid, with males reaching just under 4 inches (10 cm) and females reaching about 3 1/2 inches (10 cm) (9 cm). It makes a lovely addition to a mixed-species aquarium due to its personality and striking color.
Yellow-colored fish are more uncommon in freshwater tanks, thus this attractive cichlid is in high demand. This is possibly the most well-known cichlid ever transported from the lake. The first specimens were shipped in 1958, but it remained extremely rare and expensive until the 1970s when it was mass-bred.
Other common names it is known by are the Leleupi, Orange Leleupi Cichlid, Gold Cichlid, Gold Leleupi Cichlid, and Tanganyikan Lemon Cichlid.
The body of the Lemon Cichlid is elongated, with a continuous dorsal fin, a fan-shaped caudal fin, and wide lips. Males can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) in length in the aquarium, but they can grow up to 5 inches (12 cm) in the wild. Females are typically smaller, reaching about 3 1/2 inches in length (9 cm). With adequate care, they can live for 8 to 10 years.
The colour of specimens can vary greatly. The most typical colour is a brilliant yellow or orange to reddish tone, yet depending on where they come from, they might be a deep brown.
I. Size
- Average Adult Size: 3.9 inches (9.91 cm)
- Maximum Adult Size: Â 5″ (12 cm)
- Swimming Level:Â Likes to swim around and explore all areas of the aquarium.
I. You would love the fish because…
It is suitable for both intermediate and advanced cichlid keepers. It is hardy and easy to care for as long as it is given live foods and regular water changes are performed (and difficult if they are neglected).
The bright yellow/orange hue can be aided by feeding mysis shrimp and other live meals high in carotene. A light-colored fine sand base will help them maintain their bright color.
III. Is this fish species peaceful or hostile?
- Recommended: 5 to 8 young individuals
- Overall hostility: Peaceful
- Hostility towards own species: Peaceful
- Hostility towards other Species: Hostile
III. Species compatibility
- Â Blue Dolphin Cichlid
- Jack Dempsey
- Peacock Cichlids
- Starry Night Cichlid
- Black Calvus Cichlid
- Electric Yellow Cichlid
- Cuckoo Catfish
- Red Irian Rainbowfish
- Common Plecostomus
- Mbu Puffer Fish.
How to feed this species?
Lemon Cichlid is easy to feed. Dry, frozen, and live meaty items of high quality will all be welcomed. This species should not be fed dry items entirely because quality and variety are the keys to a diet that will ensure that it maintains optimal health and colour. It is predominantly a carnivore, although it also requires plant food in its diet.
Recommended Food
- Hikari Cichlid Biogold Plus
- Hikari Sinking Cichlid Excel Pellet Fish Food for All Life StagesÂ
Word for the wise
| Weight | 1 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 15 × 20 × 30 cm |
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Genus | Neolamprologus |
| Scientific Name | Neolamprologus brichardi |
| Tank size | 20 gal (76 L) |
| Special Diet: | Mostly carnivorous. A variety of high-quality dry, frozen, and live meaty foods is necessary for optimal health and coloration. Some vegetable matter is also necessary. |
| Native To | Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Zambia |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Fish Max Length | 3.9 inches |
| Max water Temp | 79.0 ° F |
| Min Water Temp | 74.0 ° F |
| pH Max | 9.0 |
| pH Min | 7.8 |
| Max size | 10cm (3.9") |
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