−12%
Moderate
Meleagris Shell-Dweller (Neolamprologus stappersi)
24–28°C · pH 7.8–9 · 60L
£16.71£18.99
A striking Tanganyikan cichlid with elegant lyretail fins, bold personality, and rewarding pair-bonded behavior. Moderate care, semi-aggressive. 24-27C, pH 7.5-8.5.
Care at a Glance
Scientific Name
Neolamprologus brichardi
Max Adult Size
up to 7 cm
Lifespan
8 years
Care Level
Moderate
Temperament
Semi-aggressive
Temperature
24–27°C
pH Range
7.5–8.5
Hardness
12–30 dGH
Minimum Tank
120L
Diet
Carnivore
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. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
Neolamprologus brichardi
Lyretail Lamprologus Black (Lamprologus brichardi black) - Cichlid Fish for Sale UK
Moderate Care
Semi-Aggressive
£18.99/ fishSold Out
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A striking Tanganyikan cichlid with elegant lyretail fins, bold personality, and rewarding pair-bonded behavior. Moderate care, semi-aggressive. 24-27C, pH 7.5-8.5.
Care at a Glance
Scientific Name
Neolamprologus brichardi
Max Adult Size
up to 7 cm
Lifespan
8 years
Care Level
Moderate
Temperament
Semi-aggressive
Temperature
24–27°C
pH Range
7.5–8.5
Hardness
12–30 dGH
Minimum Tank
120L
Diet
Carnivore
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. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
Similar choices available now
Full Care Guide
Cichlids: Types, Care & Tank Planning
Cichlids are a family of roughly 1,800 accepted species, not one care type. Before buying, identify the exact species and source, then compare adult measurement, usable tank dimensions, social system, territory, tested water, diet and an exit plan. No family-wide minimum tank, water range or tank-mate list is safe.
14 min readRead guide
Water Parameters
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Temperature
24–27°C
24°CIdeal27°C
pH Level
7.5–8.5
7.5Ideal8.5
Water Hardness
12–30 dGH
12 dGHIdeal30 dGH
Graceful trailing fins and a darker body define the Lyretail Lamprologus Black (Lamprologus brichardi black), the black form of this much-loved Tanganyikan cichlid. At around 7cm it is a slim, elegant fish that drifts through the middle of the tank with the flowing lyretail finnage the group is named for.
Its appeal is as much about behaviour as looks. This is a carnivore that holds a territory among rockwork in hard, alkaline water, and it is happiest when allowed to pair off and raise young. Like its relatives it is semi-aggressive and becomes territorial when breeding, which is the price of watching its rewarding pair-bonded family behaviour up close.
Moderate to keep, it asks for stable water and a structured layout rather than anything exotic, making it a satisfying project fish for a dedicated Rift-lake aquarist.
What it needs
- Adult size around 7cm; lifespan up to 8 years
- Temperature 24-27°C, pH 7.5-8.5, hardness 12-30 dGH
- Minimum 120-litre tank with rockwork for cover
- Carnivore - feed quality meaty prepared and frozen foods in small, regular amounts
- Moderate care; semi-aggressive and territorial when breeding
Plan the tank around the way these fish live. A 120-litre or larger aquarium with rockwork gives them the cover and territorial structure they need, with the water held between 24 and 27°C, a pH of 7.5 to 8.5 and hardness from 12 to 30 dGH. Steady, hard, alkaline conditions let the species settle and begin its rewarding pair-bonded routines.
As a carnivore it does best on quality meaty prepared and frozen foods. The darker body and trailing fins make for an elegant fish in motion, and with a lifespan that can reach around eight years it offers plenty of time to observe the family behaviour that makes this group such a favourite among Tanganyika keepers.
Tank mates
Good companions are other Lake Tanganyika cichlids of similar size and temperament, peaceful Tanganyikan catfish and Synodontis species. Keep away from small community fish, slow-moving long-finned fish, very aggressive cichlids, fish requiring soft, acidic water, and tiny shrimp and fry. We ship with a licensed live-animal courier and stand behind every order with our live arrival guarantee. A settled pair will reward patient observation over the seasons.
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