Easy to intermediate
Chocolate Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)
18–26°C · pH 6.5–8 · 30L
£13.99
Mutondwe Compressiceps is a rock-dwelling Lake Tanganyika cichlid for hard-water aquariums, valued for its compressed body shape, patient hunting behaviour and locality interest.
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.
Altolamprologus compressiceps
Mutondwe Compressiceps bond and breed in male/female pairs. Buying a pair gives them the social structure they need — and you get a better price per fish.
Mutondwe Compressiceps is a rock-dwelling Lake Tanganyika cichlid for hard-water aquariums, valued for its compressed body shape, patient hunting behaviour and locality interest.
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
Mutondwe Compressiceps is best presented as a Mutondwe locality form of Altolamprologus compressiceps, a distinctive Lake Tanganyika cichlid from the Lamprologini group. The raw supplier wording for this SKU is Lamprologus comp. mutondwe, but the current care identity matches the accepted Altolamprologus compressiceps form used by specialist Tanganyika references.
This is a laterally compressed, high-backed rock cichlid. The body shape is not just decorative: it helps the fish move into narrow cracks, inspect caves and hunt small prey among rocky shorelines. A settled specimen is usually deliberate rather than frantic, often hovering near rockwork, watching the tank and making short controlled movements when feeding or defending a chosen cave.
The Mutondwe form is especially interesting for keepers who like locality fish. Colour can shift with age, mood and lighting, but the strong head profile, deep body and spotted fins are the important visual cues. A darker rock background and calm tank mates usually show the fish better than a bright, busy community layout.
Build the aquarium around stable Tanganyika conditions. Use secure piles of rock, narrow crevices, caves and sight breaks. Place heavy stones safely on the base of the tank before adding substrate so burrowing or shifting sand cannot collapse the structure. Fine sand or a cichlid-safe buffering substrate works well, especially where the local tap water needs support to stay hard and alkaline.
A pair should have at least 200 litres, and a larger footprint gives you more control over territories. If you want a mixed Tanganyika display, 250 litres or more is a better starting point. This fish is not a tiny community cichlid and should not be placed into a soft-water planted nano tank.
Use moderate lighting and plenty of shaded retreats. This species often becomes bolder once it has a secure cave to return to. A tight-fitting lid is sensible because startled Tanganyika cichlids can jump, particularly during acclimation or territorial disputes.
Keep temperature steady at 23-27C. For long-term aquarium care, aim for hard, alkaline water around pH 7.8-9.0, with strong biological filtration and good oxygenation. Like most Tanganyika cichlids, it handles consistency far better than sudden changes. Test new aquariums carefully and add this species only after ammonia and nitrite are reliably zero.
Because the diet is protein-rich, uneaten food can spoil water quickly. Offer measured portions, remove leftovers and keep a regular maintenance rhythm. Small, consistent water changes are usually safer than occasional heavy corrections.
Mutondwe Compressiceps is a carnivore. Use a high-quality cichlid pellet as the staple, then rotate frozen mysis, brine shrimp, krill pieces and similar meaty foods. The mouth is adapted for picking prey from tight spaces, so very small fish or fry in the same aquarium may be treated as food.
Feed once or twice daily in modest portions. Adults do not need constant heavy meals. A varied but controlled diet supports body condition, colour and breeding readiness without overloading the filter.
Choose tank mates by water chemistry, temperament and size. Suitable companions are usually other Lake Tanganyika fish that enjoy hard alkaline water but do not fight for the same tight cave. Open-water Cyprichromis can add movement above the rocks, while selected Julidochromis or Neolamprologus may work in a larger, carefully structured aquarium.
Avoid tiny fish, soft-water community species and aggressive, highly competitive cichlids in cramped tanks. Males can be territorial with each other, so do not rely on luck in a small layout. A single pair is the safest plan for most home aquariums.
Altolamprologus compressiceps is a cave or crevice substrate spawner. The female chooses a tight cave or crack that she can enter, while the larger male fertilises from outside. Good breeding setups provide several narrow shelters, calm tank mates and very stable water. Fry are small and need suitably fine foods once free swimming.
This fish suits aquarists who enjoy behaviour, locality forms and specialist aquariums. It is not difficult because it is fragile; it is demanding because the setup must be planned. Match temperature and pH carefully during acclimation, keep lights low at first and let the fish settle around cover before expecting bold feeding.
Live fish from Tropical Fish Co are packed for temperature-controlled courier travel and are covered by the Live Arrival Guarantee when the delivery terms are followed. First-time customers can use WELCOME10 at checkout when eligible. The guarantee and discount are useful, but the real success factor is still the aquarium you prepare: mature filtration, hard alkaline water, secure rockwork and compatible tank mates.
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