−13%
Moderate
Gold Ocellatus Shell-Dweller (Neolamprologus ocellatus)
24–26°C · pH 8–9 · 60L
£17.39£19.99
A striking Tanganyikan cichlid with vivid blue and gold accents, ideal for hard, alkaline African cichlid aquariums. Moderate care, semi-aggressive. 24-27C, pH 7.5-8.5.
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. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
Opthalmotilapia ventralis
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A striking Tanganyikan cichlid with vivid blue and gold accents, ideal for hard, alkaline African cichlid aquariums. Moderate care, semi-aggressive. 24-27C, pH 7.5-8.5.
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. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
24–26°C · pH 8–9 · 60L
24–28°C · pH 7.8–9 · 60L
24–27°C · pH 7.8–9 · 80L
24–27°C · pH 7.8–9 · 54L
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.
