Moderate
Pearly Compressiceps Zaire (Lamprologus calvus zaire black fin)
24–27°C · pH 7.5–9 · 200L
£23.99
A refined, pearly-sheened Tanganyikan cichlid with a striking compressed body, best in hard-water tanks rich in caves and rockwork.
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.
Lamprologus calvus
Pearly Compressiceps bond and breed in male/female pairs — buying a pair gives them the social structure they need.
A refined, pearly-sheened Tanganyikan cichlid with a striking compressed body, best in hard-water tanks rich in caves and rockwork.
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
Understated and beautifully built, the Pearly Compressiceps (Lamprologus calvus) is a connoisseur's Tanganyikan cichlid. A pearly sheen across a tall, laterally compressed body gives it a sculpted look, and at around 8cm it makes a refined addition to a hard-water Rift-lake aquarium.
Caves and rockwork are everything to this species. A bottom-region carnivore, it slips into tight crevices to hunt and to shelter, and it shows its best behaviour when the aquascape offers plenty of secure hiding places. It needs hard, alkaline water and the patience of a mature, stable tank, which is why it sits at a moderate rather than beginner care level.
Semi-aggressive and able to become territorial, it is nonetheless a relatively calm cichlid that defends its chosen retreat rather than dominating open water. Thoughtful stocking lets its quiet character come through.
Aquascaping is where this fish is won or lost. A 150-litre or larger tank built around caves and rockwork gives it the secure crevices it relies on to hunt and shelter, and the more refuges you provide, the more relaxed and visible it becomes. Hold the water between 23 and 26°C, the pH from 7.5 to 8.5 and hardness from 10 to 25 dGH to keep it firmly in its hard, alkaline comfort zone.
As a bottom-region carnivore it takes small meaty prepared and frozen foods, fed steadily rather than in large amounts. Slow to develop and capable of living around eight years, it is a long-term resident that rewards a patient keeper with its understated, sculpted good looks once it has fully settled in.
Suitable companions include other Lake Tanganyika cichlids of similar size and temperament, rock-dwelling Tanganyikan species of comparable size, and peaceful Tanganyikan catfish where the tank is large and territories are well defined. Avoid small community fish that may be bullied or eaten, very aggressive large cichlids, fin-nipping species and soft-water fish requiring acidic conditions. Delivery is handled by a licensed live-animal courier, with our live arrival guarantee included.
24–27°C · pH 7.5–9 · 200L
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23–27°C · pH 7.8–9 · 200L
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24–27°C · pH 7.5–9 · 200L
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22–26°C · pH 6–7.5 · 150L
22–26°C · pH 6–7.5 · 200L
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24–28°C · pH 8–9 · 300L