Are Lemon Cichlids aggressive?

They are territorial, especially during breeding, but their small size (10 cm) makes them manageable. Pairs defend cave territories vigorously. Provide plenty of rockwork to reduce conflicts.

What colour are Lemon Cichlids?

Colour ranges from bright lemon yellow to deep orange. Both colour forms can be found at each location in Lake Tanganyika. The orange form is particularly popular.

How do I breed Lemon Cichlids?

Provide a bonded pair with caves and crevices. They are substrate spawners that lay eggs inside caves. Both parents guard the fry. Breeding is relatively straightforward in proper conditions.

What pH do Lemon Cichlids need?

They require highly alkaline water with a pH of 7.8-9.0, typical of Lake Tanganyika. This is higher than most tropical fish and must be maintained consistently.

Can Lemon Cichlids be kept with Malawi cichlids?

It is not recommended. Tanganyikan and Malawi cichlids have different water chemistry preferences and social behaviours. Keep Leleupi with other Tanganyikan species.

Neolamprologus leleupi

Lemon Cichlid (Neolamprologus leleupi)

Name: Lemon Cichlid (Neolamprologus leleupi)
Brand: Tropical Fish Co
SKU: 1387
Price: 9.99 GBP
Availability: PreOrder

Moderate Care

Territorial

£9.99In Stock

A bright orange cave-dwelling cichlid from Lake Tanganyika. Territorial but small and manageable at 10 cm. Pairs form strong bonds and breed readily. Available individually with live arrival guarantee.

African CichlidCichlidCichlidaeLake Tanganyika CichlidLive FishModerate Caresite:tropical-fish-coTropical Fish

Care at a Glance

Scientific Name

Neolamprologus leleupi

Adult Size

10 cm

Lifespan

10 years

Care Level

Moderate

Temperament

Territorial

Temperature

24–27°C

pH Range

7.8–9

Hardness

10–20 dGH

Minimum Tank

150L

Diet

High-protein pellets, frozen foods, live foods

Water Parameters

Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors

Temperature

24–27°C

24°CIdeal Range27°C

pH Level

7.8–9

7.8Ideal Range9

Water Hardness

10–20 dGH

10 dGHIdeal Range20 dGH

The Lemon Cichlid (Neolamprologus leleupi), also known as Leleupi Orange, is a bright orange cave-dwelling cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. Prized for its vivid colouration that ranges from bright yellow to deep orange. This species is rated as moderate care and can live up to 10 years.

Care at a Glance

Scientific Name	Neolamprologus leleupi
Family	Cichlidae
Origin	East Africa (Lake Tanganyika)
Care Level	Moderate
Temperament	Territorial
Adult Size	10 cm
Minimum Tank Size	150 litres
Temperature	24–27°C
pH Range	7.8–9.0
Water Hardness	10–20 dGH
Diet	High-protein pellets, frozen foods, live foods
Lifespan	10 years
Tank Region	Bottom
Group Size	1 pair

Origin & Natural Habitat

The Lemon Cichlid is found throughout Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. It is a recess-dweller, inhabiting cracks and crevices among the rocky substrate. It feeds on invertebrates in the biocover of the substrate. Colour ranges from bright yellow to deep orange, with both forms occurring at each location.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

Provide a minimum of 150 litres with plenty of rockwork, caves, and crevices. Adults reach approximately 10 cm. Maintain water temperature between 24–27°C with a pH of 7.8–9.0 and hardness of 10–20 dGH. Hard, highly alkaline water is essential for this Tanganyikan species.

Feeding Guide

The Lemon Cichlid is a carnivore. Offer high-protein cichlid pellets, frozen foods such as brine shrimp and mysis, and small live foods. They are active hunters of small invertebrates. Feed once or twice daily.

Compatible Tank Mates

Good companions include other Tanganyikan cichlids of similar size. Avoid small shrimp and very small fish. You might also consider species such as Kitumba Jumbo Sardine Cichlid, Xenotilapia Ochrogenys, and Yellow Sand Cichlid from our collection.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co?

At Tropical Fish Co, every fish is carefully selected and shipped with care across the UK. We offer live arrival guarantee, expert advice, and competitive prices. Order your Lemon Cichlid today and enjoy next-day delivery to your door.

Licensed Courier

Moved by UK carriers licensed to handle live animals

Trained Packing

Hand-packed with oxygen bags, poly box, heat pack

Live Arrival Guarantee

Replacement or refund — just tell us the same day

Pay Later Available

Klarna & PayPal Pay in 3 at checkout

How your fish gets to you

Dispatched Tuesday, delivered Wednesday — every order tracked and insured.

Dispatched on Tuesdays by a UK courier legally licensed to carry live animals. You’ll get a tracking number on dispatch morning and live updates through the afternoon.
Hand-packed in an insulated poly box with oxygen bags and (Oct–Apr) 40-hour heat packs. £20 flat rate covers any number of fish.
Covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee. Tell us the same day your fish arrive with a short unboxing video — replacement or refund, no arguments. Why we need a video
You need to be home.Live fish cannot be left on doorsteps or with neighbours — it kills them. Please only order for days when someone will be in to sign.

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