−13%
Moderate
Gold Ocellated Shell-Dweller (Lamprologus ocellatus 'Gold')
24–27°C · pH 7.5–9 · 40L
£17.39£19.99
A Lake Tanganyika Ophthalmotilapia cichlid for hard, alkaline aquariums with sand, rockwork, open swimming room and carefully chosen Tanganyikan tank mates.
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.
Ophthalmotilapia ventralis
Blue Gold-Tip Cichlid bond and breed in male/female pairs — buying a pair gives them the social structure they need.
A Lake Tanganyika Ophthalmotilapia cichlid for hard, alkaline aquariums with sand, rockwork, open swimming room and carefully chosen Tanganyikan tank mates.
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
Blue Gold-Tip Cichlid is a Lake Tanganyika cichlid best matched to aquariums built around hard, alkaline water and clean rockwork. The correct spelling is Ophthalmotilapia ventralis; the supplier spelling without the second h is a trade typo that should not drive the care plan.
This is an active, display-quality Tanganyikan species. Males show blue-green body tones and gold edging on the fins, especially when settled and competing for territory. It is not a general mixed-community fish: it belongs with carefully chosen Tanganyikan tank mates that share the same water chemistry.
Provide a long aquarium with sand, rock piles, open swimming room and excellent oxygenation. Lake Tanganyika cichlids do best when water conditions stay stable, so avoid sudden pH or hardness swings. A group is usually managed with one male and several females, or with a very carefully planned larger Tanganyikan community where sight breaks reduce pressure.
Good tank mates include similarly sized Tanganyikan cichlids that are neither tiny nor overly aggressive. Avoid soft-water community fish, small fish that may be bullied, and rough species that will dominate feeding and territory.
Offer spirulina-rich cichlid flakes or pellets, fine quality granules and occasional small frozen foods such as cyclops, daphnia or brine shrimp. Keep rich meaty foods limited. This species is adapted to grazing and picking small foods, so steady, varied feeding is better than large heavy meals.
We pack Tanganyikan cichlids in insulated livestock packaging and use a licensed live-animal courier. Eligible orders are covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee when the delivery and acclimation instructions are followed.
No. It needs hard, alkaline water similar to other Lake Tanganyika cichlids.
It is better planned with Tanganyikan species because behaviour, diet and habitat expectations are easier to match.
The accepted spelling used for care research is Ophthalmotilapia ventralis.
24–27°C · pH 7.5–9 · 40L
24–27°C · pH 7.8–9 · 40L
22–25°C · pH 8–9.2 · 80L
24–27°C · pH 7.8–9 · 40L
23–27°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 300L
24–27°C · pH 7.5–9 · 40L
18–26°C · pH 6.5–8 · 30L
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20–27°C · pH 6–7 · 54L
23–27°C · pH 7.4–8.4 · 150L
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24–28°C · pH 6.5–7.5 · 2000L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 200L
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18–25°C · pH 6–8 · 100L
24–28°C · pH 7–8 · 120L
18–28°C · pH 6.5–8 · 20L
24–27°C · pH 7.5–8.8 · 150L
22–26°C · pH 6–7.5 · 60L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 40L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 500L