
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Altolamprologus calvus
An endemic of southwestern Lake Tanganyika whose extremely compressed body lets it slip into narrow cracks. It feeds mainly on shrimp, cruising the rocks and stalking prey before striking.
Altolamprologus calvus is a medium-sized cichlid endemic to southwestern Lake Tanganyika. FishBase records a maximum of 13.5cm TL and Seriously Fish gives 13.8cm SL. The body is deep and strongly compressed from side to side, which lets the fish enter narrow cracks and shallow caves. It feeds mainly on shrimp and other crustaceans, cruising 30 to 100cm above the rocky bottom and stalking prey. It is generally peaceful toward fish too large to eat but shy, so boisterous tank mates are unsuitable. Maintain pH 7.5-9.0, 8-20 dGH and 24-27C. It is a substrate spawner laying up to about 200 eggs, which hatch in around two days with the fry free-swimming after eight to ten. Growth is slow and the adult shape takes time to develop.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Calvus lives 10-15 years.
The Calvus grows to 13-14cm.
The ideal temperature for the Calvus is 24〜27℃.
Origin
Southwestern Lake Tanganyika, Africa (endemic)
Lifespan
10-15 years
Size
13-14cm
Sources: Seriously Fish / FishBase
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Altolamprologus calvus (Poll, 1978)
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / FishBase (IUCN assessment: NT)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Temperature
24〜27℃
Frozen and live animal foods such as shrimp and bloodworm
Stack rock to create many narrow cracks and caves. It is shy, so provide ample hiding places.
24-27C, pH 7.5-9.0, 8-20 dGH. Keep high-pH hard water stable.
Julidochromis, Neolamprologus, Cyprichromis and Tanganyikan Synodontis suit it. Avoid boisterous fish and very small fish.
A crustacean feeder that takes most meaty frozen and live foods. It often refuses dried foods.
A substrate spawner laying up to about 200 eggs; hatching takes around two days and the fry swim after eight to ten. Remove the male once the fry are free-swimming.
Growth is slow and it takes time to develop the deep adult shape. The IUCN assesses the species as Near Threatened.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Calvus is 24〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Calvus is 10-15 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Calvus typically reaches 13-14cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Calvus feeds on: Frozen and live animal foods such as shrimp and bloodworm. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Calvus varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026