3 replies to this topic

[goldenswimmers]

Hey guys just sharing the love for this Tanganyikan predator group.

I really get into the predatory cichlids and have enjoyed(and still enjoy!)the larger predatory haps. from Lake Malawi(ie,Christyi,Spilorhynchus,Malawi trout,etc) and have always been interested in the larger predators from Lake Tanganyika(naturally!).

It seems the larger predators from Tanganyika are a lot more scarce in the hobby and this has only made me more curious about these guys.

From my personal experience with both groups I would also have to say the Tanganyikan guys are a little more fiery and pack a lot more attitude but both are great groups of fish and suit different enviroments.

 

So just sharing a little info on these guys and hope to see a few more available in the hobby in the future...

 

Here is a quick excerpt from Practical Fish Keeping:

 

"There are currently seven(?) valid species in Lepidiolamprologus: attenuatus, cunningtoni, elongatus, kendali, mimicus, nkambae and profundicola. All share the same elongate shape and predatory mouth, and range from 15-30cm/6-12” in length, so large as Lamprologine cichlids go.

They become impressive as they grow and mature, with highly visible teeth, and a 30cm L.elongatus must be a terrifying sight for any small fish unlucky enough to share the same habitat."

Well now here's a look at some of the family members..

 

 

Lepidiolamprologus Profundicola (believed to be here in Oz and if so very very rare)
 

 

 

Lepidiolamprologus Elongatus (very rare)

 

 

Lepidiolamprologus Kendali (uncommon/rare)

 

 

Lepidiolamprologus Nkambae (rare/very rare)
Very hard to spot differences between Kendalli and Nkambae but DNA tests prove they are separate varieties.

 

 

Lepidiolamprologus Attenuatus (very rare)

 

 

 

Lepidiolamprologus Cunningtoni (very rare)

 

 

Lepidiolamprologus Mimicus (not available!?)

 

 

Lepidiolamprologus Kamambae (newly discovered and not available!)

 

 

And here's some of the smaller guys....yep still with some serious attitude

 

 

Lepidiolamprologus Lemairii (uncommon)

 

 

Lepidiolamprologus Pleuromaculatus (very rare/not available!?)

 

 

Lepidiolamprologus Boulengeri (uncommon)

 

 

Lepidiolamprologus Hecqui (uncommon)

Edited by goldenswimmers, 02 May 2015 - 07:01 AM.

[Christopher]

There were some Lepi. Kendali @ Morley Aquariums a while back, looked bloody cool and Paul had nothing but great things to say about them as he had kept them before. Think they were a decent price aswell as I didnt consider their rarity.

[Peckoltia]

Great post mate, enjoyed that.

[extend]

I really enjoyed keeping 2 L.elongatus about 3 years back. Fed them guppies and the elongatus would rush the guppies from one side of the 5ft tank before the guppy could move a fin.

A photo of my fish: https://m.facebook.c...56&ref=bookmark

Edited by extend, 04 May 2015 - 01:13 PM.