2 x Tanganyika golden cichlid - Neolamprologus leleupi - DNZ pair

Among the African Tanganyika cichlids, the golden cichlid, Neolamprologus leleupi, is a representative that has been highly popular among Africa fans for years. This cichlid, also called the golden cichlid, is endemic to Lake Tanganyika, where it is found exclusively in the rocky littoral. In contrast to other Neolamprologus representatives, the Golden Cichlid is a non-territorial loner that only visits the vicinity of its conspecifics during mating season. With its temperament it is not only a beautiful looking perch, but also brings quite some life into the aquarium.

Golden cichlids have an elongated body with a slightly high back and flat sides. The gold cichlid, as the name suggests, is golden yellow to orange in base color. The elongated pectoral fins may shimmer light blue to turquoise in the first rays. With age, the mouth may darken and the golden-yellow body color may fade somewhat. A turquoise streak sometimes forms on the face. Under stress they turn dark. A significant distinguishing feature from Neolamprologus longior is the distinct kink above the  eye. This can also develop a turquoise iris. The animals, which grow to a maximum size of 10 cm, can be partially distinguished in sex only when fully grown, among other things on the basis of their behavior, whereby the males usually grow larger than the females, which only reach a size of 6-8 cm and can develop a slight forehead hump.

Golden cichlids are ambitious aquarium designers, regularly digging in the substrate, which can even cause stone setups to collapse, so their aquarium should have an adequately sized filter and the setup should be appropriately secured against undermining.

Golden cichlids can be put into spawning mood with regular 20% water changes, as well as a temporary temperature reduction. Only during the mating season do the fish seek mates. Outside of this they can be very quarrelsome, even females among themselves occasionally hit each other on the cap. In their habitat, golden cichlids are cave breeders, laying their eggs on the walls or ceilings of caves . The clutch is guarded and defended by both parents, and the male introduces fresh oxygen to the eggs with strokes of his caudal fin. In the aquarium, the fish sometimes dig pits and lay their spawn openly visible to their fellow fish. The larvae hatch after a short time and are nursed by the female for a while. They can be raised with freshly hatched Artemia nauplii and also with rearing food. Usually cichlids do not eat their own offspring.

The aquarium of the Golden Cichlids should be at least 150 liters, but preferably more. Sand is a good substrate. Since the animals have a pronounced character, they need a very good structure in the form of stone structures, which are secured against falling over and offer enough caves and hiding places, which serve as a visual protection and as a place of retreat. Because golden cichlids have a tendency to virtually dig out and undermine furnishings , the aquarium must be very well filtered and also have only a low current.

As with other cichlids, planting is hardly worthwhile with these fish, even vallisnerias can be dug up under certain circumstances. However, perching plants such as Anubias are less likely to be affected by them. Their water values should have a total hardness between 9-20 °dGH, as well as a carbonate hardness of 15-20 °C and a pH value between 7.8-9.

Due to their behavior, golden cichlids should preferably be kept in a species tank.

Neolamprologus leleupi feed among other things on invertebrates and small crustaceans, which they look for in rock crevices and the substrate. They can be easily fed with live and frozen food, but also granules and flakes for carnivorous aquarium fish.

Our food recommendation: NatureHolic Cichfeed is a great staple food for all carnivorous cichlids in the aquarium, perfectly meeting their dietary requirements. The tasty pearls are also very well eaten by larger cichlids. Thanks to their soft texture, NatureHolic Cichfeed food pearls are gentle on the mouth and can be eaten very well by the fish.

Our plant recommendation: Use for the planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.