Aquarist Species: Neolamprologus kungweensis
Aquarist: DragonFlyer
Species Profile: Neolamprologus kungweensis
Description: A small Lake Tanganyikan lamprologine 'opportunistic shell dweller' first collected in Kungwe Bay. This is a somewhat aggressive 'shellie' which inhabits muddy bottoms which it uses to dig tunnels for breeding. While their preferred habitat does include shells these are often taken by other shell dwelling species hence their adaptation to prefer mud tunnels.
Category: Cichlids
Global Region: Africa
Distribution: Lake Tanganyika
Aquarist Notes
Photo of aquarist's species:
Genetic Line: Aquarium Strain
Year Acquired: 2025
Acquired a group of 7 young fish ~1.5" from Chuck Fitz at the Pioneer Valley Aquarium Society yearly February auction.
Spawning notes:
Species Spawned: Yes
These are not true 'shell dwellers' and in their natural environment dig tunnels in muddy habitats. In the aquarium they will accept pvc pipes as a spawning site. Females guard the fry well and as they grew she moved to another location leaving the fry scattered about the bottom with the male guarding the overall territory.
Have Reared Fry? Yes
Easy to raise on BBS. Separated the parents a week or so after the female decided the young were old enough to fend for themselves.