Caudopunk Shell-Dweller (Neolamprologus caudopunctatus) - Cichlid Fish for Sale UK

Few small Rift-lake cichlids reward close watching like the Lamprologus caudopunktatus r. f.. At roughly 3cm fully grown it is one of the more diminutive Tanganyikans we stock, but it makes up for its size with busy, ground-level activity and a surprisingly bold attitude around its chosen territory.

This is a hard-water specialist that belongs in a dedicated African setup rather than a mixed community. It lives at the bottom of the tank and feeds as a carnivore, so a well-structured substrate with sheltering features gives it the security it needs. Like others in its group it is semi-aggressive and can become territorial, particularly in tighter quarters.

Because of its small stature, it does best kept with its own kind or as the focus of a species tank, where its natural behaviour can play out without larger fish crowding it off the bottom. Patience with water stability pays off in confident, settled fish.

Keeping this cichlid

• Compact adult size around 3cm; can reach 8 years of age
• Temperature 24-27°C, pH 7.5-8.5, hardness 10-30 dGH
• Minimum 80-litre tank with plenty of low-level structure
• Carnivore - feed small meaty prepared and frozen foods
• Moderate care; semi-aggressive, bottom-dwelling Tanganyikan

Because this is such a small cichlid, the details of the layout matter more than raw tank size. Hold the temperature between 24 and 27°C with a pH of 7.5 to 8.5 and hardness in the 10 to 30 dGH range, and give the bottom of the 80-litre tank enough texture for it to claim a patch and feel secure. A clean, mature filter and steady parameters bring out its boldest behaviour.

As a carnivore it does best on small meaty foods sized to suit its frame, fed little and often rather than in large doses. Kept as a group of its own kind, it settles into natural territorial routines that are genuinely entertaining to follow, which is exactly why the species-tank approach tends to suit it best.

Choosing tank mates

It is best kept with conspecifics or in a species tank, and only cautiously with other small Tanganyikan species or small Tanganyikan catfish where water and temperament match and space allows. Keep large aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping species, soft-water community fish and very small fish out of the picture. Orders are sent via a licensed live-animal courier with our live arrival guarantee.