Compressed Cichlid

About

The compressed cichlid (Altolamprologus compressiceps) is one of the more unusual-looking fish to come out of Lake Tanganyika, and once you understand its body shape, everything about it makes sense. That extreme lateral compression is not just aesthetic. It lets the fish slide into rock crevices far too narrow for other cichlids to follow, where it picks off invertebrates and fry with little competition. In the aquarium it tends to go about its business in a low-key way, which can make it seem peaceful, but do not be fooled: anything small enough to swallow is potential prey, and tankmates should be chosen with that in mind. It does best as a pair, though groups work in larger setups with enough rockwork to break up sightlines. It can fit nicely into a mixed Tanganyikan community, but it is a poor match for Tropheus or other species that need a low-protein diet. One of the real pleasures of keeping this fish is the sheer variety of color forms available, each tied to a specific collection locality around the lake. Red fins, gold heads, black cheeks, and more. These populations should be kept separate and clearly labeled to prevent hybridization. Breeding follows a cave-spawning pattern, with the female tucking herself into a crevice the male cannot enter. Growth is genuinely slow, and patience is needed before young fish reach maturity.