Nkambae Cichlid

Lepidiolamprologus nkambae is a sleek, predatory cichlid from the rocky coasts of Lake Tanganyika, reaching around 15 cm. Its elongated, pike-like body is pale with rows of dark spots forming broken lateral lines, camouflaging it as it ambushes small fish. It demands hard, alkaline water at pH 8.0-9.0 and about 25 C in a large aquarium with rock formations providing caves and hunting cover. This is an aggressive piscivore that will eat any fish it can swallow, so choose robust Tanganyikan tankmates too big to be prey and expect strong territoriality, especially when breeding as a pair. Offer a carnivorous diet of quality pellets, mysis, krill and other frozen meaty foods; avoid feeding live fish. Its predatory grace and cave-spawning behaviour reward experienced Rift Lake keepers.