Lepidiolamprologus elongatus

Lepidiolamprologus elongatus reveals itself as a predator with its long, powerful body, large mouth and big eyes. In the wild it lies in ambush around rocks and hunts small fish, especially the fry of other cichlids. Males reach 18–20 cm. During breeding the pair becomes extremely aggressive around its nest; for this reason it can only be kept in a large aquarium together with species as big and robust as itself.

• At least 300 liters and 150 cm of length for a pair.
• A layout divided by rock groups and caves; open swimming space in the middle.
• pH 8–9, hard and stable water; a 25–30% water change every week, strong filtration.
• Fine sand substrate.

Carnivorous. It is fed large cichlid granules, frozen mysis, krill and pieces of shrimp. Live feeder fish are not recommended because they carry a disease risk.

It defends its territory fiercely and hunts any fish that fits in its mouth. The pair spawns under a rock and guards the large brood of fry together.

Good companions: frontosa, large Altolamprologus, Synodontis catfish and robust Tanganyika species of the same size.

Avoid: shell dwellers, small and medium-sized species such as Cyprichromis and Julidochromis, shrimp.