General information – The Neolamprologus caudopunctatus is

endemic to Lake Tanganyika, it found along the entire Zambian

shoreline.The name caudopunctatus means spotted tail fin

(caudo= caudal, punctatus= spotted). This dwarf Lake

Tanganyikan cichlid has beautiful yellow dorsal fins, iridescent

flanks and blue eyes. Along with its character this fish became

very popular al over the world. This fish also known as red fin

caudopunctatus, it earns its name from the bright orange-red

dorsal fin. 

Scientific Name - Neolamprologus caudopunctatus 

Family - Cichlidae 

Origin – Africa, Lake Tanganyika 

Size – up to 7 cm  

First discovered - Poll, 1978 

Nutrition – carnivore, need high protein diet.In nature the Neolamprologus caudopunctatus feeds

on plankton and zooplankton and also feed on anything they can pick out of the sand.

In home tank they will accept commercial food. frozen food such as Cyclops, Mysis, Daphnia,

or Brine Shrimp is a necessity 

Behavior – semi-aggressive, this cichlid can be very territorial. 

Maintenance and care – 4-6 individuals can be kept in 20-25 gallon tankplenty of rockwork should

be provided to them with plenty of room to swim. also recommended to leave floor space and include

shells. Water changes on a weekly basis are recommended.  

Water Parameters – temperature: 73F-77F (23c-25C), PH: 7.5-9, DH: 10-20 

Breeding – In nature the Neolamprologus caudopunctatus is a cave spawner but it also breed in shells.

When the courtship starts the female will begin to remove gravel from the spawning site.

These fish known to be very secretive wile spawning, when the male is banished from the spawning

site you will know that the spawning is over. Hatching occurs after 3 days and the fry (about 40-50)

became free swimming after 5- 6 days later. The fry are very small and feeding baby brine shrimp is

a necessity.