Easy to intermediate
Chocolate Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)
18–26°C · pH 6.5–8 · 30L
£13.99
Neolamprologus longicaudatus is a slender, territorial Lake Tanganyika rock cichlid for mature hard-water aquariums with extensive caves, stable water and carefully chosen companions.
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.
Neolamprologus longicaudatus
Neolamprologus longicaudatus bond and breed in male/female pairs — buying a pair gives them the social structure they need.
Neolamprologus longicaudatus is a slender, territorial Lake Tanganyika rock cichlid for mature hard-water aquariums with extensive caves, stable water and carefully chosen companions.
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
Neolamprologus longicaudatus is a Lake Tanganyika cichlid associated with rocky habitats. FishBase records it from deeper rocky areas and notes that it feeds on invertebrates. In the aquarium this means it should be treated as a specialist hard-water cichlid, not as a soft-water community fish or a casual starter species.
The body is slender and elegant, with long fins and a watchful, cave-oriented style. It is often seen moving around rockwork, inspecting passages and holding a chosen territory. It may look peaceful when settled, but it is still a territorial Lamprologini cichlid and needs space to avoid constant disputes.
Compared with many open-water Tanganyika fish, this species uses structure more heavily. It should have several retreat options, not one single cave that becomes the centre of every dispute. When it feels secure it shows better posture, more natural patrol behaviour and a steadier feeding response.
Build the tank around rock structure. Use stable piles of stone, caves, narrow routes and line-of-sight breaks. Set heavy rocks securely before adding sand so digging or maintenance cannot cause a collapse. Fine sand is useful because it keeps the layout natural and easy to clean around the rock bases.
A 300-litre aquarium is the safer recommendation for this species, especially if you want tank mates. Smaller aquariums can make pairs more defensive and give subordinate fish nowhere to go. If you keep more than one female or add other Tanganyika cichlids, footprint matters more than height.
Leave some open sand at the front for observation and maintenance, but keep the back and sides structured. Avoid sharp unstable piles, novelty ornaments with narrow traps, and layouts that force every fish through one bottleneck. A tight-fitting lid is sensible because startled cichlids can jump during territorial chasing or acclimation.
Keep the water hard, alkaline and stable. Aim for 23-27C, strong biological filtration and good oxygenation. Lake Tanganyika species usually cope poorly with swinging pH or newly cycled tanks, so add this fish only once ammonia and nitrite are zero and the aquarium has settled.
Protein-rich foods and rocky layouts can trap debris, so maintenance should be steady. Feed modest portions, siphon waste from open sand areas and avoid sudden large chemistry corrections. Consistency is the real care requirement.
If your tap water is soft, plan the mineral side before ordering rather than trying to correct the tank after the fish arrives. Tanganyika cichlids do best when carbonate hardness and pH are predictable from week to week.
This species is carnivorous. Use quality Tanganyika or carnivorous-cichlid pellets as the staple, then rotate frozen mysis, brine shrimp, krill and other small meaty foods. Offer food in controlled amounts so slower individuals can feed without leftovers collecting in caves.
A varied diet helps condition, but heavy feeding is not a shortcut to health. Clean water, enough territory and stable minerals matter just as much as food choice. Avoid using large oily foods or constant bloodworm-heavy meals as a daily staple.
Choose companions that share Tanganyika water chemistry and use different areas of the tank. Open-water Cyprichromis can work in larger aquariums because they stay above the rocks. Some Julidochromis, Neolamprologus or Synodontis may work when the tank is large and the rockwork is broken into several territories.
Avoid small fish, soft-water species, shrimp and boisterous cave competitors. Mixing random cichlids from different lakes is also risky because behaviour and water needs rarely line up neatly. The best tank mates are chosen for the same water, different territory use and similar confidence around food.
Plan for cave or crevice spawning. A bonded pair may defend a small area strongly, especially once eggs or fry are present. Provide several cave sizes so the female can choose a secure site, and avoid rearranging the breeding territory once fish have settled.
Fry protection can make even normally manageable adults more assertive. If you want to raise young, use a species-focused setup or a very spacious community where other fish can stay clear of the defended cave.
Acclimate slowly into matching hard alkaline water and keep lights low at first. Watch for steady breathing, confident posture and gradual interest in food. New arrivals may use caves heavily for the first few days, so judge settling by feeding and body condition rather than expecting instant display behaviour.
Before choosing this fish, prepare the aquarium as a Tanganyika system rather than a general mixed display. Useful preparation includes a cycled external filter, a reliable heater, mineral-stable water, multiple caves, a quarantine plan and a feeding routine built around small carnivorous foods. That planning protects the fish better than any search phrase or marketing promise.
Neolamprologus longicaudatus is a rewarding choice for aquarists who enjoy Tanganyika behaviour, rockwork and natural territories. It is not the right choice for a soft-water community or a small mixed beginner tank. At the time of this cleanup readback, both listed size variants had zero Shopify inventory, so this description avoids fixed delivery promises and should be read as a care and suitability guide until live stock returns.
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