Intermediate
Gold Compressiceps (Altolamprologus compressiceps)
24–27°C · pH 7.5–9 · 200L
£21.99
A striking open-water Tanganyikan cichlid with elegant schooling behaviour and standout colour. Order today with live arrival guarantee and fast UK delivery.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Cyprichromis microlepidotus Kasai
Kasai Smallscale Cyprichromis are a shoaling species — they need 6+ to feel safe and show their full colour.
A striking open-water Tanganyikan cichlid with elegant schooling behaviour and standout colour. Order today with live arrival guarantee and fast UK delivery.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Cichlids are one of the most diverse fish families in the hobby. From tiny apistogrammas to massive oscars, this guide covers the basics of keeping them well.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
The Kasai Smallscale Cyprichromis, Cyprichromis microlepidotus, is one of the most elegant open-water cichlids in the tropical fish for sale UK market. Unlike many cichlids that spend their time guarding caves or digging pits, this Lake Tanganyika species glides through the upper water column in a loose, shimmering school. That unusual behaviour makes it a standout African cichlid UK choice for aquarists who want the colour and personality of a Rift Lake cichlid without the constant aggression of some rock-dwelling relatives. Adult fish reach around 12 cm, can live up to 8 years, and stay peaceful when kept in the right group size and aquarium layout. For many keepers the appeal is simple: this is a graceful freshwater cichlid UK option that looks active all day, adds movement to larger aquariums, and rewards good care with vivid male colour and fascinating mouthbrooding behaviour.
If you want to buy fish online and are comparing specialist cichlids, the Kasai Smallscale Cyprichromis offers a refreshing alternative to heavier-bodied Tanganyika species. For anyone looking to buy tropical fish UK-wide, it combines manageable care with striking display value, which is why it features in any serious kasai smallscale cyprichromis care guide. Our detailed photos show the slim body shape, metallic sheen, and schooling posture that make this species so popular. Among Tanganyika cichlids it is one of the more forgiving choices for a keeper stepping up from community tropical fish UK setups, provided water chemistry and group size are correct — so while it is not a true beginner fish, a prepared aquarist can keep it successfully. In the right setup it brightens the upper levels of a freshwater display in a way few cichlids can match.
Cyprichromis microlepidotus belongs to the cichlid family but occupies a very different niche from many bottom-oriented African species. In the hobby, Cyprichromis are valued as open-water schooling cichlids from Lake Tanganyika, with regional variants such as the Kasai form prized for subtle but attractive differences in colour and body pattern. They sit comfortably alongside other Tanganyika species when water chemistry, swimming space, and social structure are planned properly.
The Kasai Smallscale Cyprichromis comes from Lake Tanganyika, one of the oldest and deepest freshwater lakes in the world. This vast African rift lake is famous for its stable, mineral-rich water and extraordinary cichlid diversity. In the wild, Cyprichromis microlepidotus spends much of its time in open water near rocky shorelines, often above drop-offs where it feeds on plankton and tiny drifting prey. That natural setting explains why this species behaves so differently from cave-spawning or shell-dwelling cichlids.
Lake Tanganyika water is alkaline, hard, and highly oxygenated, which is why the correct kasai smallscale cyprichromis pH level and kasai smallscale cyprichromis water hardness matter so much in captivity. Tanganyika fish need very different chemistry from soft-water tetras or Amazon species — this is not a fish for acidic blackwater tanks. It thrives in clear, mineral-rich water with strong gas exchange and stable conditions.
In nature these fish form schools for safety and feeding efficiency, which is why kasai smallscale cyprichromis school size is not a minor detail but a core part of welfare. A proper group allows natural movement, reduces stress, and spreads social pressure between males. Kept in too small a group they can become nervous and lose colour. If you are weighing this species against another option, remember that few Tanganyika cichlids combine schooling behaviour, upper-level swimming, and a peaceful temperament in quite the same way.
Mimicking the natural habitat of open water above rockwork improves confidence, colour, and feeding response. Leave a broad swimming lane across the front and centre of the aquarium, then place rock structures toward the back and sides so the fish feel secure without losing open space.
The best aquarium for this species is long rather than tall, with excellent water movement, strong oxygenation, and room for a proper school. The kasai smallscale cyprichromis minimum tank size is 250 litres, but in practice a larger footprint gives much better results. When aquarists ask about kasai smallscale cyprichromis tank size, the answer depends on group size and tank mates: for 8-12 fish, aim for at least 120 cm length, and more if you plan a mixed Tanganyika setup. This species spends most of its time in the top and middle water, so horizontal swimming room is far more valuable than extra depth.
A dedicated group works best in 250 litres or more. For a fuller kasai smallscale cyprichromis community tank with shell dwellers, Synodontis, or other peaceful Tanganyika species, 300-450 litres is more comfortable. Bigger tanks are easier to keep chemically stable, which matters with a hard-water cichlid like this one.
The correct kasai smallscale cyprichromis temperature range is 24-27°C. Stability matters more than chasing the warmest point in the range, so avoid daily swings. The ideal pH is alkaline, from 7.8 to 9.0, and hardness should remain in the 10-20 dGH range. These values reflect the fish’s Tanganyika origin and support proper osmoregulation, appetite, and long-term health.
Use a filter rated for a tank larger than the aquarium’s actual volume, especially in heavily stocked cichlid systems. A quality external canister or a large internal filter with strong biological media works well. Moderate circulation keeps oxygen high, but do not blast the entire surface with harsh current — these are active swimmers, not riverine specialists. Pair filtration with a reliable heater and plenty of surface agitation for gas exchange.
For larger Tanganyika systems, many keepers pair this species with robust filtration and clean, open decor rather than overcomplicated layouts. If you are building a full cichlid setup, browse our wider Lake Tanganyika cichlid collection for compatible stocking ideas.
Fine sand or smooth pale gravel suits the look of a Tanganyika aquarium. The fish itself is not a heavy digger, but a natural substrate reflects light well and keeps the tank bright. Rock piles at the back and sides create security and visual structure, especially if you are keeping bottom species too. Leave the centre open for schooling — this species genuinely looks its best when given visible swimming space in a large tank.
Many Tanganyika aquariums are sparsely planted, but a kasai smallscale cyprichromis planted aquarium can work if you choose hardy species that tolerate alkaline water, such as Vallisneria, Anubias, and Java fern attached to rock. Plants should never block the schooling lane. Moderate lighting for 7-9 hours a day is enough; too much light in a bare tank can make the fish skittish, while too little can dull their colour. A darker background often helps males stand out.
Always cycle the tank for 4-6 weeks before adding Tanganyika cichlids. Stable biofiltration is what keeps sensitive hard-water species alive long term, so get the tank mature before the fish arrive.
The kasai smallscale cyprichromis diet is best described as omnivorous with a strong preference for small planktonic foods. In the wild these fish pick tiny prey items from the water column. In captivity they do best on a varied menu of quality micro pellets, crushed flake, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, and similar small foods that stay suspended long enough for schooling fish to feed naturally. Because they occupy the upper levels, food that sinks too fast often gets missed.
For daily feeding, use a high-quality small cichlid pellet or fine granule designed for omnivores. Crushed flake also works well, especially for newly settled fish. Choose foods with moderate protein, marine or insect ingredients, and a particle size that can be swallowed easily — match the food to the fish’s small mouth, not the label on the packet.
Frozen brine shrimp and daphnia are excellent two or three times per week. These foods improve condition, encourage feeding response, and help maintain active schooling behaviour. After shipping or introduction to a new aquarium, frozen foods often tempt shy fish to feed more quickly than dry foods alone.
For kasai smallscale cyprichromis breeding preparation, add extra frozen foods in small portions. Conditioning females before mouthbrooding and keeping males in strong display condition both benefit from variety. This is especially useful if you are working towards a kasai smallscale cyprichromis breeding pair or raising a larger colony.
| Time | Food | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Micro pellet or crushed flake | What the group eats in 30-45 seconds |
| Evening | Frozen brine shrimp or daphnia | Small portion, fully consumed within 1 minute |
Kasai smallscale cyprichromis feeding works best as two small meals per day rather than one large dump of food. Schooling fish feed more naturally this way, and water quality stays better. This species is active but not a heavy grazer, so overfeeding is one of the fastest ways to spoil a Tanganyika setup. After ordering online, feed lightly for the first 24 hours, then gradually return to a normal schedule.
Avoid large pellets, fatty live foods of unknown origin, and anything that fouls the water quickly. Do not rely on bloodworm as a staple, and avoid random household foods or bargain feeds sold without ingredient detail. Specialist cichlids benefit from targeted nutrition rather than whatever is cheapest and most convenient.
Overfeeding causes ammonia spikes, cloudy water, and digestive stress. In alkaline cichlid tanks, poor water quality can become dangerous quickly, so feed small amounts and remove uneaten food if necessary.
Choose fine pellets, crushed flake, and frozen foods that match the small mouth size and open-water feeding style of Cyprichromis microlepidotus.
The Kasai Smallscale Cyprichromis has a slim, torpedo-shaped body built for constant movement in open water. Adults reach around 12 cm, with long, elegant fins and a smooth profile that looks very different from deep-bodied rock cichlids. The scales are fine and reflective, giving the fish a subtle flash as it turns under aquarium lighting — one reason this species is so attractive in larger groups.
Males are usually more colourful than females and may show stronger blue, bronze, silver, or smoky tones depending on mood, lighting, and locality. Females are generally plainer but still attractive, with a clean, streamlined appearance. In a settled group, dominant males intensify in colour during display and breeding. These colour shifts are one of the easiest signs that the fish feel secure, and a key part of kasai smallscale cyprichromis behaviour.
Healthy specimens hold their fins well, swim in the upper levels, and show no pinched belly or clamped posture. A proper kasai smallscale cyprichromis school size also improves appearance, because single fish or pairs rarely display as confidently as a full group.
If you want stronger colour, focus on stable hard water, dark background contrast, open swimming space, and varied food rather than chasing gimmick “colour boosters”. Good husbandry brings out the best in this species far more reliably than additives.
One of the biggest strengths of this species is that it is a relatively peaceful cichlid. That does not mean it belongs in every mixed aquarium, but it makes an excellent choice for a carefully planned kasai smallscale cyprichromis community tank with other Tanganyika fish. The key is to choose species that enjoy similar alkaline, hard water and occupy different levels of the tank. When picking the best tank mates for kasai smallscale cyprichromis, think in terms of complementary behaviour rather than random colour matching.
Good kasai smallscale cyprichromis tank mates include peaceful Tanganyika species such as shell dwellers, some Altolamprologus, selected Xenotilapia-type fish, and Synodontis catfish. Within our range, the open-water style of the Jumbo Yellow Sardine Cichlid - Cyprichromis makes it a natural comparison species, while the Katete Jumbo Sardine Cichlid - Cyprichromis suits aquarists building a larger Tanganyika display. For contrast lower in the tank, the Utinta Black-Chinned Xenotilapia - Enantiopus Melanogenys offers different movement and feeding behaviour.
Among rock-associated companions, the Mutondwe Compressiceps - Altolamprologu, Gold Compressiceps - Altolamprologu, and Black Zaire Calvus - Altolamprologu can work in a spacious aquarium with enough structure and line-of-sight breaks. If you want a larger centrepiece fish, the Blue Mpimbwe Humphead Cichlid - Cyphotilapia is for much bigger systems and experienced keepers, not a casual add-on.
Avoid very aggressive mbuna, fin-nippers, and boisterous fish from incompatible water types. This species should also not be mixed with random soft-water community fish just because it is labelled “peaceful”. Bettas, for example, prefer calmer, softer water and can be stressed by the faster movement of schooling cichlids, and most tetras prefer softer, more acidic conditions — neither makes a sensible companion here.
Invertebrate compatibility is mixed. Snails are usually fine, but shrimp are risky in a cichlid tank — small shrimp may be treated as food, especially by larger adults.
| Species | Compatible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Black Smallscale Cyprichromis - Cyprichromis Microlepidotus | ✅ Yes | Similar water needs; works in a spacious species-focused Tanganyika setup |
| Utinta Black-Chinned Xenotilapia - Enantiopus Melanogenys | ✅ Yes | Uses lower levels and complements open-water schooling behaviour |
| Bettas, soft-water tetras, very aggressive cichlids | ❌ Avoid | Different water chemistry needs or unsuitable temperament |
In 250 litres, keep a single school of 8-10 Kasai Smallscale Cyprichromis with minimal additional stock. In 350 litres or more, a school of 10-12 can be combined with one carefully chosen bottom species and one rock-associated species. This makes it a strong option for community cichlid UK keepers who want movement at all levels of the aquarium.
This is not a random mix-and-match fish. It works best in a planned Tanganyika setup with matched water chemistry and compatible tank mates, not a generic mixed tropical tank.
Always quarantine new arrivals for 2-4 weeks before adding them to an established Tanganyika aquarium. This protects schooling fish from parasites and prevents one poor shipment from destabilising the entire group.
Kasai smallscale cyprichromis breeding is moderate difficulty. It is achievable in the home aquarium, but success depends on group dynamics, water quality, and patient observation. This species is a maternal mouthbrooder, with males displaying in open water to attract females. To establish a kasai smallscale cyprichromis breeding pair, it is usually better to start with a group and let natural pairing emerge rather than forcing an adult pair together.
Use a mature aquarium of at least 250 litres, though larger is better for colony behaviour. Keep the water in the standard Tanganyika range: 24-27°C, pH 7.8-9.0, and hard, mineral-rich conditions. Feed a varied diet with frozen foods to bring fish into condition. A ratio with more females than males often reduces stress and lets subordinate fish avoid constant display pressure.
Males intensify in colour and display in open water. Females approach, spawning occurs, and the female collects the eggs in her mouth. This is one of the most interesting parts of the species and a major reason many keepers choose it over more static cichlids. Calm surroundings and minimal disturbance matter most at this stage.
The female carries the brood in her mouth for roughly three weeks, depending on temperature and individual condition. During this period she may eat little or not at all. Avoid netting or chasing her unless absolutely necessary. Some breeders move holding females to a separate tank, but this can cause stress if done too early.
Once released, fry are free-swimming and can take newly hatched brine shrimp, fine powdered fry food, and crushed quality flake. Clean water is essential. Small, frequent feeds and gentle filtration help growth. Because the fry stay in the water column, they are easier to observe than some cave-spawned cichlid young.
The main problems are females swallowing eggs due to stress, poor male-to-female ratios, and underfeeding before spawning. Breeding success depends heavily on fish condition at purchase — strong, settled stock matters far more than bargain pricing.
For colony breeding, keep visual barriers at the back and sides of the aquarium while preserving open water in front. This lets females retreat from dominant males without breaking the schooling pattern that encourages natural courtship.
If you are comparing open-water Tanganyika cichlids, the main question is whether you want subtle elegance, stronger contrast, or a larger, bolder display fish. The Kasai Smallscale Cyprichromis sits in an excellent middle ground: active, schooling, colourful in the right light, and generally easier to integrate than many territorial cichlids. It is ideal for aquarists who want a species-led display rather than a single dominant show fish.
| Feature | Kasai Smallscale Cyprichromis | Black Smallscale Cyprichromis |
|---|---|---|
| Max Size | 12 cm | 12 cm |
| Care Level | Moderate | Moderate |
| Temperature | 24-27°C | 24-27°C |
| Best For | Open-water schooling display | Darker-toned Tanganyika display |
| Feature | Kasai Smallscale Cyprichromis | Jumbo Yellow Sardine Cichlid |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming Style | Graceful, upper-level schooling | Active, eye-catching open-water schooling |
| Tank Focus | Balanced community Tanganyika setup | Brighter species-led display |
| Best Keeper Type | Intermediate or prepared keeper | Keeper wanting stronger colour impact |
| Water Type | Hard, alkaline | Hard, alkaline |
Choose this fish if you want a more refined, schooling cichlid for sale UK option that works as part of a well-structured Tanganyika community. Choose the Black Smallscale Cyprichromis - Cyprichromis Microlepidotus if you prefer a darker visual tone, or the Jumbo Yellow Sardine Cichlid - Cyprichromis if you want a brighter, more immediately bold display. For very large tanks and a much more imposing centrepiece, the Blue Mpimbwe Humphead Cichlid - Cyphotilapia is a different class of fish entirely.
The right species depends on your water, tank length, and stocking plan — not just the colour in a sales photo.
Healthy Kasai Smallscale Cyprichromis are alert, streamlined, active in the upper levels, and quick to feed. They should not sit in corners, gasp at the surface, or hide constantly behind rocks. Because this is a schooling species, one fish isolating itself is often an early warning sign. When you buy Kasai Smallscale Cyprichromis UK, inspect body condition carefully and avoid fish with sunken bellies, clamped fins, cloudy eyes, or obvious flashing.
The most common issues are stress-related rather than species-specific disease. Poor water chemistry, low oxygen, and too-small groups can weaken immunity. Newly imported fish may also arrive with protozoan or external parasite issues if not quarantined properly. In mixed tanks, bullying from unsuitable tank mates can lead to chronic stress and secondary infections.
The best treatment is prevention: stable Tanganyika water, strong filtration, regular partial water changes, and a varied diet. If disease appears, move affected fish to a separate treatment tank where possible, and always diagnose before medicating. General “all-in-one” treatments can do more harm than good in cichlid systems if used carelessly.
Never medicate the main display tank unless you are sure the treatment is appropriate. If your aquarium includes snails or other invertebrates, remember that many copper-based medications are unsafe for them.
Compared with many large, aggressive cichlids, Cyprichromis microlepidotus is much easier to keep healthy, provided the water is hard and the group is large enough.
Kasai smallscale cyprichromis behaviour is one of the species’ greatest attractions. These fish are active, social, and almost always visible when settled. Instead of hugging rocks or defending a tiny cave, they cruise the upper levels in a loose school, turning together as they feed and react to movement. This gives the aquarium a sense of flow that many cichlid tanks lack.
They are not truly timid, but they can become nervous in small groups or in tanks with too much open exposure and no structure. The best results come when the layout includes open water plus secure background rockwork. Males display to one another and to females, but in a proper group this rarely becomes damaging aggression.
This species is more forgiving than many Tanganyika cichlids but less forgiving than generic community fish. If you already understand cycling, hard-water chemistry, and group stocking, you can keep it successfully. Keep them in a full school, maintain stable water, and their natural behaviour is one of the best displays in freshwater fishkeeping.
When you order Kasai Smallscale Cyprichromis from us, the focus is not just on sending a fish in a bag. Schooling Tanganyika cichlids need to arrive in good weight, with clear eyes, intact fins, and a strong feeding response. Before dispatch, stock is observed for stability, feeding confidence, and normal upper-water schooling behaviour — which matters far more for this species than flashy listing language.
We pack fish in insulated boxes with appropriate bagging volume and seasonal heat protection when needed. Tracked UK delivery reduces transit uncertainty, and fish are packed to minimise stress during movement. On arrival, slow acclimation to temperature and water chemistry is especially important for Tanganyika species, so each order is supported with practical guidance rather than generic care notes.
If you want to buy Kasai Smallscale Cyprichromis online UK, source healthy specialist cichlids with a plan for water chemistry, group size, and compatibility. Order today with confidence if you want a graceful, active Tanganyika cichlid that rewards proper care with colour, schooling behaviour, and fascinating breeding displays.
Complete your Tanganyika setup with compatible and comparable species chosen for similar water chemistry and display value. For another open-water schooling option, consider the Jumbo Yellow Sardine Cichlid - Cyprichromis. If you prefer a darker variant, the Black Smallscale Cyprichromis - Cyprichromis Microlepidotus is a natural comparison. For lower-level interest, the Utinta Black-Chinned Xenotilapia - Enantiopus Melanogenys adds elegant sand-oriented behaviour. Rockwork lovers may also enjoy the Gold Compressiceps - Altolamprologu or Black Zaire Calvus - Altolamprologu. If you are still deciding, browse our wider tropical fish for sale UK collection for more Tanganyika cichlids and compatible stocking ideas.
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