Olive Lamprologus (Lamprologus olivaceus) — 4-5cm

Overview of Olive Lamprologus

The tropical fish for sale uk, scientifically known as Lamprologus olivaceus, a small, attractive tanganyikan cichlid that thrives in hard, alkaline water and rewards keepers with fascinating territorial behavior..

Native to Lake Tanganyika, East Africa, this moderate-care species belongs to the Cichlidae family and has earned a loyal following among UK aquarists for its unique characteristics and manageable requirements.

Appearance and Distinguishing Features

This beautiful cichlid displays vibrant coloration that intensifies with age and during breeding. Males typically show more intense colors than females, with finnage that becomes more elaborate as they mature.

At Tropical Fish Co, we select only the healthiest specimens with vibrant coloration and active behavior, ensuring you receive premium quality fish for your aquarium.

Natural Habitat and Origin

In the wild, Lamprologus olivaceus inhabits lake tanganyika, east africa. Understanding their natural environment helps us replicate optimal conditions in the home aquarium.

The African Rift Lakes are renowned for their hard, alkaline water with exceptional clarity and stability. Rocky substrates and territorial breeding behaviors have shaped the evolution of these remarkable cichlids.

Aquarium Setup and Requirements

A minimum tank size of 80 litres is essential for housing Olive Lamprologus. Larger aquariums provide more stable water chemistry and greater swimming space, both critical for long-term health.

Create a rocky aquascape with numerous caves and territories. Use coral sand or crushed coral substrate to help maintain alkaline pH. Ensure strong filtration to handle the bioload of active cichlids.

Invest in quality filtration capable of turning over the tank volume 4-6 times per hour, and perform regular 25-30% water changes weekly to maintain pristine conditions.

Water Parameters and Chemistry

Maintaining correct water parameters is crucial for the health of Olive Lamprologus:

• Temperature: 24-27C
• pH Range: 7.5-8.5
• Hardness: See species-specific requirements
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm (zero tolerance)
• Nitrate: Below 20 ppm ideally

African Rift Lake cichlids require hard, alkaline water (GH 10-20°, KH 8-15°). Use Rift Lake mineral salts or crushed coral to maintain stable buffering capacity. Never use driftwood or peat, which lower pH.

Invest in quality test kits and check parameters weekly. Stability is more important than hitting exact numbers - avoid sudden changes that stress fish.

Feeding and Nutrition

As a carnivore, Olive Lamprologus requires a carefully balanced diet to maintain optimal health and coloration.

Offer a varied carnivorous diet of quality cichlid pellets, small frozen foods such as mysis, brine shrimp, daphnia, and finely chopped meaty foods; feed small portions to avoid overfeeding.

Feed 1-2 times daily in small amounts. High-protein sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and mysis form the foundation of a healthy carnivore diet. Avoid mammalian proteins which can cause digestive issues.

Remove uneaten food after 3-5 minutes to prevent water quality degradation. A single weekly fasting day can benefit digestion and overall health.

Behaviour and Temperament

The Olive Lamprologus is classified as semi-aggressive, though individual personality can vary with age, tank size, and stocking density.

Expect territorial behavior, especially during breeding or in undersized tanks. Provide ample space and visual barriers to reduce conflict. This species may view smaller fish as food.

Requires hard, alkaline Tanganyikan water and excellent filtration; keep substrate fine and provide shells or small caves for territory. Males can be territorial, especially during breeding, so...

Compatible Tank Mates

Choose tankmates carefully to ensure a harmonious community aquarium:

Compatible species include:

• Other small Tanganyikan cichlids only in a larger, carefully structured tank
• Small Tanganyikan catfish

Avoid housing with:

• Large aggressive cichlids
• Fin-nipping fish
• Very small fish that may be bullied or eaten
• Soft-water community fish
• Slow-moving long-finned species

Always research specific compatibility and introduce new fish gradually, monitoring behavior closely during the first few weeks.

Breeding and Reproduction

Typically breeds in a cave or shell-based territory; a bonded pair will defend the spawning site. Provide multiple shells or small caves, stable alkaline hard water, and high-quality foods to...

Provide flat rocks, caves, or smooth surfaces for spawning. Parent fish typically guard eggs and fry, though behavior varies. Excellent water quality and frequent small water changes support fry development.

Why Buy Olive Lamprologus from Tropical Fish Co UK

When you choose Tropical Fish Co for your tropical fish for sale uk purchase, you benefit from:

• Premium Quality: Every fish is quarantined, health-checked, and feeding well before dispatch
• Expert Selection: We hand-pick active, vibrant specimens with excellent coloration
• Safe Delivery: Specialist courier service with heat packs and double-bagged packaging
• Live Arrival Guarantee: We stand behind every shipment with our comprehensive guarantee
• Ongoing Support: Expert care advice available whenever you need it

With decades of combined experience in the UK aquarium trade, we understand what makes healthy, thriving fish. Our Olive Lamprologus specimens are among the finest tropical fish for sale uk available online today.

Order with confidence knowing you're purchasing from a trusted UK specialist. We're passionate about connecting aquarists with exceptional fish for sale UK wide.