Moderate
Kavala Black Leleupi (Neolamprologus leleupi)
24–27°C · pH 7.8–9 · 150L
£13.99
Laterally compressed Lake Tanganyika cichlid for mature hard-water aquariums with rockwork, caves and a meaty carnivore diet.
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, Titcha Mandarin form
Titcha Mandarin Compressiceps bond and breed in male/female pairs — buying a pair gives them the social structure they need.
Laterally compressed Lake Tanganyika cichlid for mature hard-water aquariums with rockwork, caves and a meaty carnivore diet.
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.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Titcha Mandarin Compressiceps is a distinctive Lake Tanganyika cichlid from the Altolamprologus compressiceps group. Its narrow, laterally compressed body lets it work through cracks and caves in a way that feels very different from open-water community fish.
This is a specialist hard-water cichlid for a mature rocky aquarium. It suits keepers who want measured behaviour, strong shape and Tanganyika character rather than a soft-water community setup. Give it stable mineral-rich water, secure rockwork, calm tank mates and a carnivore diet.
| Scientific anchor | Altolamprologus compressiceps, Titcha Mandarin form |
|---|---|
| Adult size | About 14 cm |
| Care level | Moderate |
| Minimum aquarium | 200 litres; larger for pairs or mixed Tanganyika displays |
| Temperature | 24-27C |
| pH | 7.8-9.0 |
| Hardness | 10-20 dGH |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive, territorial and predatory toward very small fish |
| Diet | Carnivore: sinking cichlid pellets, frozen brine shrimp, mysis, krill and similar meaty foods |
Use a long aquarium with sand or fine gravel and a stable arrangement of rock caves. Place the main rocks securely before adding substrate so digging cannot collapse the structure. Broken sight lines matter because adults claim shelter and feeding zones.
Keep the water hard and alkaline, with a steady 24-27C temperature and good oxygenation. A strong external or high-capacity internal filter is recommended because carnivorous cichlids produce more waste than small community fish. Weekly partial water changes help keep nitrate and dissolved organics under control.
This fish is not a plant-led centrepiece. Tough plants attached to rock may survive, but the layout should be built around crevices, shells, stone and open lanes rather than soft planting.
Titcha Mandarin Compressiceps is a carnivore. Use quality sinking cichlid pellets as the staple and rotate frozen foods such as brine shrimp, mysis, krill and bloodworm in sensible portions. Feed small meals that are cleared quickly rather than large feeds that settle behind rockwork.
Avoid rich feeder-fish routines and avoid relying on standard flake food as the main diet. Good body condition should look full but not swollen, with clear eyes, intact fins and confident movement around the rockwork.
Choose tank mates by water chemistry, adult size and temperament. Suitable options are usually other robust Lake Tanganyika cichlids that are too large to be eaten and not so aggressive that they dominate every cave. Avoid shrimp, fry, tiny tetras, soft-water community fish and cramped mixed-cichlid tanks.
Good comparison species include Altolamprologus Compressiceps Red Fin Kagunga, Julie Mixed Julidochromis, Kavala Black Leleupi and Blue Zaire Moba Frontosa. Match by final size and layout before mixing.
When available, livestock from Tropical Fish Co is packed for safe UK transit with insulated packaging and seasonal heat protection when needed. Use code WELCOME10 for 10% off your first order. Eligible livestock orders are supported by our Live Arrival Guarantee.
No. It is calmer than some African cichlids, but it is still territorial and predatory toward very small fish.
Use at least 200 litres. A longer tank is better for pairs, groups or mixed Tanganyika displays because territories need horizontal space.
Keep hard alkaline Tanganyika-style water: 24-27C, pH 7.8-9.0 and around 10-20 dGH.
Use sinking carnivore cichlid pellets with frozen brine shrimp, mysis, krill and similar meaty foods. Feed lightly and remove leftovers.
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