Compressed cichlid care
Altolamprologus compressiceps
Altolamprologus compressiceps is a rock-dwelling Tanganyikan cichlid with a striking laterally compressed body. This specialised predator needs stable alkaline water, carefully built rockwork and thoughtfully selected tankmates. This guide separates supported care advice from points for which the available sources do not justify a fixed recommendation. Advice stays deliberately cautious where reliable sources do not establish an exact minimum or a universally safe combination. The provenance of a locality form also matters, since mixing populations can blur their distinct identities and characteristics. When acquiring fish, look for a reliable species identification and locality record. A trade name alone can be ambiguous, especially because a separate shell-dwelling fish is sold under a similar label.
Plan your aquarium →At a glance
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C
- pH
- 8.0–9.0
- GH
- 7–25 °dGH
- Aquarium length
- At least 120 cm
- Adult size
- Up to 12.3 cm
- Group size
- At least 2 individuals
- Temperament
- Predator
About this species
The species is endemic to Lake Tanganyika. Its compressed shape helps it enter narrow crevices while hunting small prey. Adults reach about 12.3 cm total length; males grow noticeably larger than females. Locality-associated colour forms are sold under trade names and should be kept separate. The small shell-dweller sold as “A. compressiceps shell” is considered by the specialist source likely to be undescribed and is outside this guide.Natural habitat
In the lake it lives among rocks and rubble. Provide secure, stable rock structures with crevices and quiet retreats. Position heavy rocks safely before adding substrate. It is not a plant-eater; shelter and territory layout matter more than dense planting.Aquarium and layout
Seriously Fish specifies a minimum base of 120 × 45 cm (about 243 litres) for this large rock-dweller. Use the stated footprint rather than extrapolating from body length. A pair is generally best; groups need a larger aquarium. Provide separate crevices and keep small fish, shrimp and fry out of predation range.Water conditions
Aim for stable alkaline water: Seriously Fish gives 24–28 °C, pH 8.0–9.0 and 7–25 °dGH. Avoid rapid corrections. Good filtration and oxygenation matter. GH and KH are different measurements and should not be treated as interchangeable.Behaviour and group size
This patient predator hunts small prey among rocks. A pair is usually the prudent starting point; groups need more space. Seriously Fish describes it as not especially territorial, but small fish and shrimp may be eaten. Matching water parameters alone does not make a pairing safe.Feeding
Wild diets include a large share of shrimps and other small invertebrates. Offer varied, suitably small meaty foods and check that each fish is feeding. Do not combine it with cichlids that require a low-protein herbivorous diet.Breeding
It lays eggs in a narrow rock crevice or cavity that typically admits only the female. After fertilisation, she guards the eggs; the reported incubation is about three to five days. Parental care ends when fry become free-swimming. Keep rockwork stable and protect the brood from other fish.Sources & review
This care guide draws on several specialist sources and was last checked on .
View the sources
- California Academy of Sciences — Eschmeyer’s Catalog of Fishes — Altolamprologus compressiceps
- National Center for Biotechnology Information — NCBI Taxonomy — Altolamprologus compressiceps
- FishBase — Altolamprologus compressiceps — biological record
- Seriously Fish — Altolamprologus compressiceps — species profile
- Wikimedia Commons; H. Zell — Candidate photograph reviewed; not deployed