Black Calvus Cichlid — a Cichlidae from Lake Tanganyika, Africa, territorial; line-of-sight breaks keep the peace. Reaches 10.1–14.9 cm; a pair claims a territory; give each a defensible cave. 23–25 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
23–25 °C
pH
8–9
GH hardness
9–19 dGH
Adult length
10.1–14.9 cm
Minimum tank
266 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Territorial; line-of-sight breaks keep the peace
Origin
Lake Tanganyika, Africa
Species overview
Altolamprologus calvus is a Cichlidae from Lake Tanganyika, Africa. A thinking fish that rearranges décor and learns its keeper — and punishes bare, crowded tanks. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 10.1–14.9 cm. A pair claims a territory; give each a defensible cave. Over-filter for its messy habits, aquascape with rock walls, and respect its claimed corner. Maintain 23–25 °C at pH 8–9. A solid choice for a well-planned community tank.
Native biotope
Habitat
Lakes and slow rivers with structure
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Sand with rock piles
Hardscape
Stones, caves and broken lines of sight
Plants
Hardy species that tolerate digging
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
A pair claims a territory; give each a defensible cave
Diet
Omnivore with a protein lean — quality cichlid pellets