Moderate
Gold Ocellatus Shell-Dweller (Neolamprologus ocellatus)
23–25°C · pH 8–9
£16.59
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.
lake-tanganyika-cichlid
Care at a Glance
Scientific Name
Opthalmotilapia ventralis
Max Adult Size
up to 15 cm
Lifespan
8 years
Care Level
Moderate
Temperament
Semi-aggressive
Temperature
24–27°C
pH Range
7.5–8.5
Hardness
10–30 dGH
Minimum Tank
300L
Diet
Omnivore
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 above for the actual shipping size. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
Water Parameters
Temperature
24–27°C
24°CIdeal27°C
pH Level
7.5–8.5
7.5Ideal8.5
Water Hardness
10–30 dGH
10 dGHIdeal30 dGH
Opthalmotilapia ventralis
Blue Gold-Tip Cichlid (Ophthalmotilapia ventralis)
Moderate Care
Semi-Aggressive
£45.99Sold Out
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Live arrival guaranteed. If they don’t arrive healthy, email us a short unboxing video the same day for a replacement or refund. Packed in oxygenated bags with insulation and heat packs when needed.
£19.95 tracked delivery — half price (£9.98) from £100.00, free from £200.00. One delivery charge however many fish you add — everything travels together with a licensed live-animal courier.
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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.
lake-tanganyika-cichlid
Care at a Glance
Scientific Name
Opthalmotilapia ventralis
Max Adult Size
up to 15 cm
Lifespan
8 years
Care Level
Moderate
Temperament
Semi-aggressive
Temperature
24–27°C
pH Range
7.5–8.5
Hardness
10–30 dGH
Minimum Tank
300L
Diet
Omnivore
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 above for the actual shipping size. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
Full Care Guide
Cichlids: Types, Care & Tank Planning
Cichlids are a family of roughly 1,800 accepted species, not one care type. Before buying, identify the exact species and source, then compare adult measurement, usable tank dimensions, social system, territory, tested water, diet and an exit plan. No family-wide minimum tank, water range or tank-mate list is safe.
14 min readRead guide
Water Parameters
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Temperature
24–27°C
24°CIdeal27°C
pH Level
7.5–8.5
7.5Ideal8.5
Water Hardness
10–30 dGH
10 dGHIdeal30 dGH
Overview
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.
Quick facts
- Scientific name: Ophthalmotilapia ventralis
- Origin: Lake Tanganyika, East Africa
- Adult size: about 15 cm
- Care level: moderate / specialist
- Temperament: semi-aggressive, especially males
- Minimum aquarium: 300 litres
- Temperature: 23-26°C
- pH: 7.5-8.5
- Diet: algae, microorganisms, plankton and quality cichlid foods
Care notes
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.
Feeding
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.
Delivery and guarantee
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.
FAQ
Is Blue Gold-Tip Cichlid suitable for soft-water aquariums?
No. It needs hard, alkaline water similar to other Lake Tanganyika cichlids.
Can it live with Malawi cichlids?
It is better planned with Tanganyikan species because behaviour, diet and habitat expectations are easier to match.
Is the spelling Opthalmotilapia or Ophthalmotilapia?
The accepted spelling used for care research is Ophthalmotilapia ventralis.
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What customers say about ordering from us
4.6 on Google Maps, rated 4.6 out of 5 (opens in a new tab)4.4 · 91 shop reviews read them, rated 4.4 out of 5
- 4 out of 5Verified buyer
I have a small group of long finned mountain minnows. So was delighted to be able to order ten of this variety to increase the genetics in my tank . The ones I recieved are healthy but it’s to early to give a verdict on wether they are of a long finned type since they are small currently.
Gordon Walker · 23 Sept 2026
- 5 out of 5Verified buyer
100% success travel and "installation". Pleased with quality of purchase. The Siamese fighter a bit "shy" so have not yet seen him at his best yet but looking good. Happy customer. GG
George E Garratt · 21 Sept 2026
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