Lemon Cichlid

• ExerciseModerate

  An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• GroomingAttentive tank care

  Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment8–10 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Fin rot · Parasites

The Lemon Cichlid (Neolamprologus leleupi) is a Tanganyikan rock dweller of about 9 to 10 cm, found in yellow, orange and brown regional forms. Its intense colour is carotenoid-based, which means it genuinely fades on a poor diet and holds on a varied one rich in shrimp and krill, a detail that separates a well-kept leleupi from a washed-out one on the same shelf. In the lake it hunts invertebrates in rock crevices, often swimming upside down under overhangs. A pair needs 120 litres or more at 24-27C, pH 8.0 to 9.0 in hard buffered water, with rock stacked into narrow caves. Feed frozen mysis, cyclops, krill and a colour-supporting quality pellet, avoiding a flake-only diet. It is territorial around its cave and will hold a surprisingly large area for its size, so give it either a species setup or a tank long enough that other Tanganyikans can keep their distance. Two unpaired adults in a small tank will fight, and it is best bought as a group of young fish that pair off naturally.

• How active is a Lemon Cichlid?

  Moderate. An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• How much maintenance does a Lemon Cichlid need?

  Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• What tank size does a Lemon Cichlid need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a Lemon Cichlid a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Lemon Cichlid live?

  8–10 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Lemon Cichlid?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Parasites. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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