Family: Cichlidae
Leleupi — a Cichlidae from Lake Tanganyika, Africa, territorial; line-of-sight breaks keep the peace. Reaches 7.5–11 cm; a pair claims a territory; give each a defensible cave. 24–26 °C.
Neolamprologus leleupi, a member of the family Cichlidae, comes from Lake Tanganyika, Africa, where it inhabits lakes and slow rivers with structure. Territorial; line-of-sight breaks keep the peace and omnivore with a protein lean — quality cichlid pellets, it grows to 7.5–11 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 24–26 °C range. Other Neolamprologus species in our database include Neolamprologus brichardi, Neolamprologus multifasciatus, Neolamprologus brevis.
A moderate-level species: territorial; line-of-sight breaks keep the peace; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.
Aim for 24–26 °C. Heater required for stable tropical warmth; 24–26 °C recorded range.
Full size is 7.5–11 cm. Minimum tank: 145 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.
Omnivore with a protein lean — quality cichlid pellets. It forages naturally over sand with rock piles, so let some food reach the bottom.
Territorial; line-of-sight breaks keep the peace. Recommended tankmates: Other cichlids of similar size and temperament — Balance aggression across the tank. Avoid Delicate planted-tank species — Uprooted and outcompeted.
Native to Lake Tanganyika, Africa, where it lives in lakes and slow rivers with structure. Still to gentle current; Moderate.
Not a noted jumper — a standard cover still keeps dust and spray in.
In the aquarium: dedicated pair-bonded spawner; expect fry defence. Often striking; males larger and brighter.