Elongated Lemon Cichlid | Neolamprologus longior

Cichlids / Africa / Lake Tanganyika / Elongated Lemon Cichlid

Profile: Elongated Lemon Cichlid
Neolamprologus longior Synonyms: Lamprologus longior
Physical description: N. longior is more elongated than N. leleupi. The coloring has more orange. Curving under the eye is a violet marking. Around the lips is a dark yellow areas.
Size/Length: To 4" (10 cm)
Similar species: Neolamprologus leleupi, N. leleupi longior.
Habitat: Eastern Africa; eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika, from Kabogo Point to Kibwe Bay. Like N. leleupi, this species inhabits rocky, shore areas.
S: bottom, middle
Aquarium: 30" (76 cm) tank with a volume of 20-25 gallons (75-98 L). As for N. leleupi.
Water chemistry: 7.5-9.0 (8.0), 8-20 dH (15), 75-81°F (24-27°C)
Social behavior: Combine with other peaceful cichlids in a Lake Tanganyika community tank. Males may brawl with each other over territory. Males are aggressive towards unreceptive or immature females. This fish forms pairs and a nuclear only during the spawning season.
Suggested companions: Julidochromis, Neolamprologus, Cyprichromis, Synodontis, Lamprologus, Aulonocara, Lamprichthys, Rainbowfish.
FOOD: Live; crustaceans, insect larvae, aquatic insects; large flakes; pellets. This fish must be fed a varied diet to bring out its beautiful colors.
Sexual differences: Difficult to distinguish. Males have slightly more elongated fins.
Breeding techniques: Cave brooder who lays up to 200 eggs. Follow suggestions for N. leleupi.
Breeding potential: 7. Breeding the elongated Lemon Cichlid is difficult.
Remarks: This species can be distinguished from the sub-species, N. leleupi longior by its longer body and elongated caudal peduncle.
Difficulty of care: 6. A sensitive fish that must be fed live foods.