Compressiceps

Compressiceps key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

10-15 years

Size

12-13cm

Temperature

24〜28℃

Diet

Frozen and live animal foods such as prawn, bloodworm and tubifex

Tank

120 x 45cm (about 243 litres) or larger. Stack rock to create many crevices that also serve as spawning sites.

Water Temperature & Quality

24-28C, pH 8.0-9.0, 7-25 dGH. Maintain high-pH hard water.

Tank Mates

Not strongly territorial and workable in a Tanganyikan community, but any fish or shrimp small enough to swallow will be eaten.

Diet & Feeding

A crustacean feeder that readily takes frozen bloodworm, tubifex, artemia and chopped prawn.

Breeding & Spawning

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.

Health & Notes

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.

About Compressiceps

Altolamprologus compressiceps is a laterally compressed Lake Tanganyika cichlid that hunts crustaceans from rock crevices, with an intermediate keeping difficulty.

7 things to know before welcoming a Compressiceps

1. 1Highly Compressed Body

   As the name suggests, its most defining trait is a body strongly flattened from side to side. This shape is thought to suit slipping into narrow rock crevices in search of prey.

2. 2Rockwork Is Essential

   In the wild it uses rock crevices and cracks as both shelter and hunting ground, so provide plenty of complex rockwork in the tank. Ample hiding spots help it settle in calmly.

3. 3Mainly Crustacean Diet

   In nature it feeds mainly on crustaceans such as shrimp, which make up the majority of its stomach contents. In the aquarium, offer foods centered on animal protein.

4. 4Match Lake Tanganyika Water

   Being native to Lake Tanganyika, it tends to prefer water with somewhat higher hardness and pH. Preparing these conditions before introduction helps it settle in.

5. 5Territorial Tendencies

   Like many cichlids, it can be territorial toward its own kind or similarly shaped fish. Plan tankmates with enough tank size and hiding spots to reduce conflict.

6. 6Grows to 12-13cm

   Adults reach around 12-13cm in length. Prepare a tank with enough swimming space alongside the rockwork and hiding places it needs.

7. 7Intermediate Difficulty

   It is considered an intermediate-level fish, manageable once you have the basics of water quality management and rockwork down. Prior experience with other Lake Tanganyika cichlids is a plus.

Frequently asked questions about Compressiceps

Q.How does compressiceps differ from calvus?

A.Both are closely related Altolamprologus species from Lake Tanganyika and share a strongly laterally compressed body shape. Since individual variation exists, it's a good idea to also check specialist references or ask the seller for finer distinctions.

Q.Can it be kept with other fish?

A.It can be territorial, so conflicts may arise with its own kind or similarly shaped fish. Provide plenty of hiding spots and choose tankmates carefully in a sufficiently spacious tank.

Q.What should it be fed?

A.Since it feeds mainly on crustaceans in the wild, offer pellet or frozen foods centered on animal protein in the aquarium as well. Choose a nutritionally balanced diet.

Q.What tank layout suits it best?

A.Since it naturally lives in rock crevices, a layout with plenty of rockwork forming multiple hiding spots is recommended. Adding shells can also serve as good shelter.

Q.Is it suitable for beginners?

A.It is considered an intermediate-level species, so it suits keepers with some experience in water quality management or cichlid care. Beginners should learn the basics of water quality first.

Useful tools for Compressiceps care

Learn more about Compressiceps in the encyclopedia

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