Neolamprologus similis is a small, shell-dwelling fish native to Lake Tanganyika in Africa. It’s found along the shores of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania.
This fish has a copper color with vertical white stripes from its head to the tail base. It’s popular for freshwater aquariums.
Neolamprologus similis looks similar to N. multifsciatus but has stripes that continue onto the head.
It lives around large shell beds and rocky habitats deeper than 82 feet and is found as shallow as 33 feet near shell beds. The maximum depth it lives at is about 148 feet.
Neolamprologus similis prefers shells over holes made by piled pebbles and stones and is usually found in colonies.
Its diet consists of copepods, ostracods, insect larvae, algal strands, and sand grains.
You can check out what this fish looks like over here.
Neolamprologus similis Interesting Facts
- Neolamprologus similis is a small, copper-colored fish with white stripes native to Lake Tanganyika in Africa.
- These fish live in deep, rocky habitats and prefer shells over holes made by pebbles and stones for shelter.
- Mating occurs inside the female’s shell, and their includes copepods, insect larvae, and algal strands.
- Males can grow up to 1.97 inches (5.0 centimeters) long, while females reach up to 1.38 inches (3.5 centimeters) in length.
Neolamprologus similis Habitat
Neolamprologus similis is found in Lake Tanganyika, Africa (the southern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania).
It’s found in freshwater habitats near the bottom of the lake.
This fish prefers pH between 7.4 to 8.4, hardness of 7 to 30 dH, and temperature between 73.4°F to 82.4°F (23°C to 28°C).
| Water Temperature: | 73.4°F to 82.4°F (23°C to 28°C) |
| Water pH: | 7.4 to 8.4 pH |
| Water Hardness: | 7 to 30 dH |
Neolamprologus similis Physical Characteristics
Size: 1.97 inches (5.0 centimeters)
Male Neolamprologus similis grows up to 1.97 inches (5.0 centimeters) long.
Females are a little smaller and grow up to 1.38 inches (3.5 centimeters) long.
Neolamprologus similis Reproduction
Neolamprologus similis mates inside the female’s shell.
Neolamprologus similis Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cichliformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Genus: | Neolamprologus |
| Scientific Name: | Neolamprologus similis |
| Also Known As: | Neolamprologus similis |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |