Lepidiolamprologus Nkambae 5.5cm

Lepidiolamprologus Nkambae

The Lepidiolamprologus Nkambae is a really unique, deep-water predatory cichlid from Lake Tanganyika. Fish from this lake have a really big dedicated fanbase in the aquarium hobby as Tanganyikan fish tend to offer a lot more physical variation compared to other African lakes. The Lepidiolamprologus Nkambe is a menacing species that only reaches around 15cm and has a very unique elongated body shape. When small the colours on these fish aren't as vibrant compared to other African cichlids so they do often get overshadowed however these fish really are an awesome consideration for a species-only or mixed Tanganyikan tank.

The Lepidiolamprologus Nkambe is actually a regional variant of the lepidiolamprologus kendalli and this is quite often observed in African cichlids. These fish are almost built to be the perfect Tanganyikan predator, their slender body shape allows them to dart into tight rock work to hunt, they also have a mottled camouflage style colouration which looks spectacular in a tailored environment. The base body colour is a dark brown which the fish can surprisingly change the intensity of based on mood. This is topped with broken horizontal lines that run from head to tail. These stripes can range from blue to yellow which all turn into spots towards the fins. Whilst lepidiolamprologus nkambe are predators they are not super aggressive, they are also one of the smaller species in the Lepidiolamprologus family.

Breeding the Lepidiolamprologus nkambe is possible in the home aquarium. Whilst males and females mostly look similar there can be minor differences noticed in the overall intensity of colours and behavioural dominance. These species actually dig a large pit in the sand bed to spawn in, once the eggs have been laid both parents also guard the nest very well until the fry can fend for themselves.

Tank Recommendations for your Lepidiolamprologus Nkambe
The Lepidiolamprologus nkambe will reach around 15 cm in length and can be quite territorial. They are however also fish that are found in colonies out in the wild so the ideal aquarium size to keep a group of 6 fish would be around 300 litres. Having an aquarium with a larger footprint instead of height will also be beneficial as this ensures enough usable space for these mostly bottom-dwelling fish.

Giving these fish a sandy substrate with an abundance of rock caves will ensure that they can establish territories and not display too much aggression toward one another. Having a Ph of 7.5-8.5 with a temperature of 24 - 26 degrees will be ideal.

Suitable Tank Buddies
Lepidiolamprologus nkambe are semi-aggressive fish and will show predatory aggression to smaller species. These are fish that should ideally be kept in a species-only setting however should be okay with top-dwelling species or larger African cichlids. Since they require a higher PH of around 8 the tank mates chosen should be adaptable to this.

Usually Compatible
Large Malawi cichlids, Malawi trout, star sapphire cichlids, Mdoka white lips, and other large and mostly top to mid-water cichlids.

Sometimes Compatible
Frontosa, Mbuna species, and mid to bottom-dwelling cichlids might result in aggressive behaviour and territorial disputes.

Rarely Compatible
Aggressive African cichlid species like fuscodichromis and smaller species such as shell dwellers.

Feeding your Lepidiolamprologus Nkambe
Lepidiolamprologus Nkambe will take to aquarium foods very easily. They will take a wide range of pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. By giving them a varied diet, it ensures that they have optimal nutrition.

The ideal diet would be a good quality protein-rich pellet along with frozen foods will be best. Feeding any foods with natural colour enhancers would also be great as this will really enhance the iridescent blues in this fish.