How big do Pearly Compressiceps Gold get?

Pearly Compressiceps Gold grow to approximately 7 cm in a home aquarium with proper care and nutrition.

Are Pearly Compressiceps Gold easy to care for?

Pearly Compressiceps Gold require moderate care and some fishkeeping experience for best results. Regular water changes and a balanced diet are important.

What do Pearly Compressiceps Gold eat?

Primarily carnivorous; feed a varied diet of quality cichlid pellets, frozen or live foods such as mysis, brine shrimp, krill, and small insect larvae. Avoid fatty foods and overfeeding.

What temperature do Pearly Compressiceps Gold need?

Pearly Compressiceps Gold thrive in water temperatures between 23 and 26 degrees Celsius. Use a reliable heater and thermometer to maintain a stable temperature.

What size tank do Pearly Compressiceps Gold need?

A minimum aquarium of 120 litres is recommended for Pearly Compressiceps Gold. Larger tanks provide more stable water parameters and reduce territorial behaviour.

How long do Pearly Compressiceps Gold live?

With proper care, Pearly Compressiceps Gold can live for approximately 8 years in a home aquarium. Good water quality and a balanced diet help maximise lifespan.

What fish can live with Pearly Compressiceps Gold?

Suitable tank mates for Pearly Compressiceps Gold include Other Tanganyikan cichlids of similar size and temperament in a suitably large tank, Synodontis catfish, Non-aggressive Tanganyikan species that do not compete for the same rock crevices. Choose species with similar water parameter requirements and temperament.

Are Pearly Compressiceps Gold easy to breed?

Pearly Compressiceps Gold have moderate breeding difficulty. A cave-spawning Tanganyikan cichlid that typically forms a pair bond and lays eggs in a sheltered crevice or shell-like...

Are Pearly Compressiceps Gold aggressive?

Pearly Compressiceps Gold can be semi-aggressive, especially during breeding. Provide adequate space and hiding spots to reduce conflicts. Research compatible tank mates before adding them to your aquarium.

What pH do Pearly Compressiceps Gold need?

Pearly Compressiceps Gold prefer a pH between 7.5 and 8.5. Test your water regularly and use appropriate buffers if needed to maintain stable parameters.

How do I acclimate Pearly Compressiceps Gold?

Float the sealed bag in your aquarium for 15-20 minutes to equalise temperature. Then gradually add small amounts of tank water over 30-45 minutes before releasing.

Can Pearly Compressiceps Gold live in a community tank?

Yes, Pearly Compressiceps Gold can live in a community tank provided tank mates are robust and the aquarium is spacious enough to reduce territorial behaviour.

Pearly Compressiceps Gold — representative image

A striking golden Tanganyikan cichlid with elegant markings and fascinating cave-breeding behavior. Moderate care, semi-aggressive. 23-26C, pH 7.5-8.5.

Care at a Glance

Scientific Name

Lamprologus calvus

Max Adult Size

up to 7 cm

Lifespan

8 years

Care Level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

Temperature

23–26°C

pH Range

7.5–8.5

Hardness

10–25 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.

Lamprologus calvus

Pearly Compressiceps Gold (Lamprologus calvus gold) - Cichlid Fish for Sale UK

Name: Pearly Compressiceps Gold (Lamprologus calvus gold) - Cichlid Fish for Sale UK
Brand: Tropical Fish Co
SKU: 1320
Price: 26.99 GBP
Availability: InStock

Moderate Care

Semi-Aggressive

£26.99/ fish

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A striking golden Tanganyikan cichlid with elegant markings and fascinating cave-breeding behavior. Moderate care, semi-aggressive. 23-26C, pH 7.5-8.5.

Care at a Glance

Scientific Name

Lamprologus calvus

Max Adult Size

up to 7 cm

Lifespan

8 years

Care Level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

Temperature

23–26°C

pH Range

7.5–8.5

Hardness

10–25 dGH

Minimum Tank

120L

Diet

Carnivore

Source-labelled Bolivian ram swimming above aquarium gravel

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

23–26°C

23°CIdeal26°C

pH Level

7.5–8.5

7.5Ideal8.5

Water Hardness

10–25 dGH

10 dGHIdeal25 dGH

The golden colour form of an already elegant species, the Pearly Compressiceps Gold (Lamprologus calvus gold) pairs warm gold tones with the laterally compressed, crevice-hunting shape that makes this Tanganyikan cichlid so distinctive. It reaches around 7cm and carries itself with slow, deliberate grace.

This is a fish for hard, alkaline water and a rocky aquascape full of caves and tight spaces. As a bottom-region carnivore it wedges into crevices to hunt and to feel secure, so the quality of your rockwork directly shapes how settled and visible it will be. Moderate to keep, it rewards a stable, mature tank.

It is semi-aggressive and can become territorial, but its measured nature means clashes are usually about defending a chosen cave rather than open chasing. A well-planned layout with several refuges keeps the peace.

Care essentials

Adult size around 7cm; lifespan up to 8 years
Temperature 23-26°C, pH 7.5-8.5, hardness 10-25 dGH
Minimum 120-litre tank with caves and rocky crevices
Carnivore - feed quality meaty prepared and frozen foods
Moderate care; semi-aggressive, bottom-dwelling Tanganyikan

The success of this fish hinges on its rockwork. Build the aquascape around caves and tight crevices it can wedge into, since that security is what brings it out into view and lets it hunt naturally. Keep the water between 23 and 26°C, the pH from 7.5 to 8.5 and hardness across 10 to 25 dGH, all held steady in a mature 120-litre or larger tank.

Feeding follows its carnivorous habits - small meaty prepared and frozen foods suit it well. It is a slow-growing, long-lived cichlid that can reach around eight years, so patience is part of the deal: give it time and a stable home, and its gold colour and deliberate, crevice-hunting character become a genuine focal point.

Stocking guidance

Keep it with other Tanganyikan cichlids of similar size and temperament in a suitably large tank, Synodontis catfish, and non-aggressive Tanganyikan species that do not compete for the same rock crevices. Avoid large aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping species, overly boisterous community fish, small fish that can be swallowed, and species needing soft, acidic water. All orders are carried by a licensed live-animal courier and supported by our live arrival guarantee.