Leleupi Cichlid

🔹 Scientific Name: Neolamprologus leleupi

🔹 Common Name: Leleupi Cichlid, Lemon Cichlid, Orange Leleupi

🔹 Type: Freshwater Cichlid

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📏 Size

• Maximum Size: 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm)

• Both males and females are similar in size, but males may be slightly larger and more slender.

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🌍 Native Habitat

• Origin: Lake Tanganyika, East Africa

• Inhabits rocky shorelines and crevices, typically at moderate depths. Prefers tight spaces for hiding and breeding.

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⏳ Lifespan

• Average Lifespan: 8 to 10 years with good water quality and care.

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🍽️ Diet

• Diet Type: Carnivorous

• In the wild, they feed on small invertebrates, insect larvae, and zooplankton found within the rocks.

• In aquariums, offer:

  • High-protein cichlid pellets

  • Frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia

  • Avoid excessive plant-based food, as they may reject it

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🧬 Breeding

• Breeding Behavior: Cave spawners and substrate brooders

• Breeding Season: Can breed year-round in captivity if tank conditions are ideal

• Females lay eggs inside caves or tight crevices, and both parents (especially the female) guard the eggs and fry

• Fry become free-swimming after about a week

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🐟 Best Tank Mates

Leleupi Cichlids are territorial and can be aggressive, especially during breeding. It’s important to provide plenty of space and hiding spots.

• Best tank mates:

  • Other Lake Tanganyika cichlids such as:

    • Julidochromis species

    • Altolamprologus species

    • Neolamprologus brichardi

  • Synodontis catfish (e.g., Synodontis multipunctatus)

  • Cyprichromis leptosoma (peaceful, upper-water dwellers)

• Avoid:

  • Docile or slow-moving fish

  • Other similarly shaped or colored cichlids (may provoke aggression)

  • Overcrowding or multiple Leleupi in small tanks

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🏡 Aquarium Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for a single or pair; 55+ gallons for community setups

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 75–80°F (24–27°C)

  • pH: 7.8–9.0

  • Hardness: 10–20 dGH

• Tank Setup:

  • Rocky structures and caves to replicate Lake Tanganyika habitat

  • Sandy or fine gravel substrate

  • Strong biological filtration and stable water chemistry