
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Altolamprologus compressiceps
A compressed cichlid congeneric with calvus and widely distributed in Lake Tanganyika. Over 80 percent of its stomach contents is shrimp, and it pushes into rock crevices to take prey.
Altolamprologus compressiceps is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika and widely distributed across the lake. FishBase records a maximum of 12.3cm TL and Seriously Fish gives 12.5cm SL. Like calvus it is deep-bodied and strongly compressed, pushing into rock crevices to take prey. Stomach analysis of wild fish found more than 80 percent shrimp, and it also eats small fish, so it is a crustacean-eating carnivore. It is not especially territorial and fits a well-chosen Tanganyikan community, but it will eat anything small enough to swallow. Use 120 x 45cm (about 243 litres) or more at pH 8.0-9.0, 7-25 dGH and 24-28C. It spawns in rock crevices, the female guarding the eggs for three to five days. Growth is slow and sexual maturity takes a year or more.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Compressiceps lives 10-15 years.
The Compressiceps grows to 12-13cm.
The ideal temperature for the Compressiceps is 24〜28℃.
Origin
Lake Tanganyika, Africa (endemic, widely distributed)
Lifespan
10-15 years
Size
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 compressiceps (Boulenger, 1898)
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / FishBase (IUCN assessment: LC)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
12-13cm
Temperature
24〜28℃
Frozen and live animal foods such as prawn, bloodworm and tubifex
120 x 45cm (about 243 litres) or larger. Stack rock to create many crevices that also serve as spawning sites.
24-28C, pH 8.0-9.0, 7-25 dGH. Maintain high-pH hard water.
Not strongly territorial and workable in a Tanganyikan community, but any fish or shrimp small enough to swallow will be eaten.
A crustacean feeder that readily takes frozen bloodworm, tubifex, artemia and chopped prawn.
A substrate spawner using rock crevices. The female guards the eggs for three to five days, and the fry take brine shrimp nauplii once free-swimming.
Growth is slow and maturity takes over a year. It sits poorly with algae-eating species that need a low-protein diet, because their feeding regimes conflict. Dimidiochromis compressiceps shares the species name but is a Malawian fish of a different genus that exceeds 23cm, so buying on the name compressiceps alone can change the tank size you need.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Compressiceps is 24〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Compressiceps is 10-15 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Compressiceps typically reaches 12-13cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Compressiceps feeds on: Frozen and live animal foods such as prawn, bloodworm and tubifex. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Compressiceps varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026