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Maximum size : 10 cm
Lemon Cichlid - Neolamprologus leleupi : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Lemon Cichlid, or Neolamprologus leleupi, is a stunning addition to any aquarium. With their non-aggressive nature, these community fish can be kept in a species-only tank or a larger aquarium with other durable fish as long as they have their own territory. To ensure the best tankmates for your Lemon Cichlids, Tanganyikan Cichlids like Convict Julie and Dickfelds Julie, as well as Synodontis catfish and White Pearly Calvus, and Compressed Cichlids, are all good choices. However, avoid keeping them with African cichlids from Lake Victoria or Lake Malawi. Although peaceful, Lemon Cichlids can be aggressive with their own kind, and younger siblings of a spawning couple will not tolerate other siblings. Therefore, a larger aquarium is necessary to house multiple Cichlids in a community environment. These Cichlids require plenty of live and frozen food, as well as suitable tankmates and frequent water changes. Therefore, only intermediate and experienced aquarists should keep them. The Lemon Cichlid has an elongated body, continuous dorsal fin, fan-shaped caudal fin, and large lips. Its delicate blue or greenish line above the lips runs to just below the eye, and its light blue eyes are striking. Its natural colour varies with tone and intensity, but its diet and aquarium lighting mainly influence it. The species exists in three wild colour morphs: yellow-orange, brown-black, and silvery-beige. The bright yellow-orange variety is the most popular and most regularly traded. The brown-black variant and the silvery-beige morph have the same yellow pigment as the bright yellow-orange, but the brown-black pigment obscures it. In addition, some Lemon Cichlids at Bulu Point have a black moustache marking over the upper lip, making them even more unique and desirable.Lemon Cichlid Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing male and female Lemon Cichlids (Neolamprologus leleupi) externally can be a difficult task. However, with keen observation, one may notice that male Lemon Cichlids tend to display distinctive physical characteristics such as a larger body size, fuller body shape, and a prominent cranial hump. Additionally, adult males possess longer pelvic fins than their female counterparts.Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Neolamprologus leleupi |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1956 |
| Other Names | Leleupi, Gold Leleupi Cichlid, Orange Leleupi Cichlid, Gold Cichlid, Tanganyikan Lemon Cichlid, Firecracker Cichlid, Dutch Orange Cichlid, Super Bright Orange Cichlid. |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cichliformes |
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Genus | Neolamprologus |
| Origins | Zambia Burundi Democratic Republic of the Congo Tanzania |
| Max Size | 10 cm |
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Aquarium Level | All Levels |
| Difficulty | Intermediate - Advanced |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Pairs |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Layer |
| Lifespan | 8 - 10 years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| PH | 7.5 - 9.0 |
| GH | 8 - 25 |
| KH | |
| TDS |
| ℉ | 73 - 81 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 22.8 - 27.2 |
Natural Habitat
The Lemon Cichlid, a beautiful and unique species, can be found on the rocky shorelines of Lake Tanganyika, Africa. Their habitat is highly diverse, and these Cichlids are adaptable to various environments, ranging from profound depths to the surface. Their preferred abode, however, is the rocky terrain, where they seek refuge in the cracks and crevices of their surroundings. With their distinctive lemon-yellow hue, they make a stunning addition to any aquarium, captivating onlookers with their vibrancy and beauty.
Lake Tanganyika. - Burundi
