Lamprologus ocellatus is a small fish found only in Lake Tanganyika. It’s popular for aquariums because of its size, looks, and intelligence.
This fish lives in snail shells and forms colonies with each other, raising its young inside the shells too.
Sometimes it swims in small groups alongside L. brevis, another shell-dwelling fish that it competes with for shell piles. Lamprologus ocellatus eats tiny invertebrates.
While keeping this fish in an aquarium, provide empty shells for living spaces and use a tank that is at least 60 cm (about 24 inches) long.
Lamprologus ocellatus Interesting Facts
- Lamprologus ocellatus is a small, intelligent fish native to Lake Tanganyika, with colors ranging from light brown to gold or yellow.
- These fish live and breed in snail shells, sometimes forming colonies with other shell-dwellers like L. brevis.
- In aquariums, provide empty shells for living spaces and maintain water pH between 8.0 to 9.0 and temperature between 73°F to 77°F (23°C to 25°C).
- Grow up to 2.3 inches (5.8 centimeters) long and have a yellow edge on their dorsal fin, while females are smaller.
Lamprologus ocellatus Habitat
Lamprologus ocellatus is native to Lake Tanganyika in Africa. It lives in freshwater environments and swims close to the bottom.
The water’s pH should be between 8.0 to 9.0, with a hardness of 9 to 19 dH. This fish usually stays at depths of 6 to 12 meters (20 to 40 feet).
It prefers temperatures between 73°F to 77°F (23°C to 25°C) and is found in tropical waters between latitudes of 3°S to 9°S.
| Water Temperature: | 73°F to 77°F (23°C to 25°C) |
| Water pH: | 8.0 to 9.0 pH |
| Water Hardness: | 9 to 19 dH |
Lamprologus ocellatus Physical Characteristics
Size: 2.3 inches (5.8 centimeters)
Lamprologus ocellatus grows up to 2.3 inches (5.8 centimeters) long. When these fish hatch, they’re about 0.24 inches (0.6 centimeters) long.
They come in colors like light brown, gold, or yellow. Male Lamprologus ocellatus’ are bigger than females and have a yellow edge on their dorsal fin.
Lamprologus ocellatus Reproduction
Lamprologus ocellatus lives in Neothauma shells in its natural environment and breeds there.
Lamprologus ocellatus Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cichliformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Genus: | Lamprologus |
| Scientific Name: | Lamprologus ocellatus |
| Also Known As: | Lamprologus ocellatus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |