Aquarist Species: Altolamprologus compressiceps 'Kaguna Red'
Aquarist: Monty
Species Profile: Altolamprologus compressiceps
Species Photo by: Craig Storms
Description: Piscivore cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. Characterized by a highly compressed body (hence its name) making it well suited to hunting small fish found in tight spaces between rocks. Occurs in various color patterns.
Category: Cichlids
Global Region: Africa
Distribution: Lake Tanganyika
Aquarist Notes
Genetic Line: Aquarium Strain
Year Acquired: 2025
Acquired 6 in Feb. 2025 at GCCA Swap.
Spawning notes:
Species Spawned: Yes
Currently in a 40 breeder with Julidochromis ornatus 'Kiku'.
Have found eggs numerous times. Only the female has been seen with the eggs but haven't pulled them to raise them. Eggs have gotten to wiggler stage but disappear after.
12 Jan 2026 - Currently have 6 fry from early December 2025 and 62 fry from late December 2025 growing out together. Cannot see a noticeable difference in size.
02 February 2026 - Fry are completely equal in size at this point.. They have been moved to a 20H in a larger grow-out system of 190 gallons. 20H has 3 inches of water in it to allow for easier feeding. Lost about 30 fry while they were in Fluval breeding box due to them jumping when going to feed them. Small size and my meaty hands is not a good combination when trying to pick up the jumpers.
02 February 2026 - New batch of eggs/wigglers. Female was sitting on a clutch of wigglers and pulled them this morning. I estimate the clutch to contain roughly 125 - 150 wigglers. Should be free swimming in 1-2 days. Moved to egg tumbler and will move them again to a Fluval breeding box once they have been free swimming for 7 days.
Have Reared Fry? Yes
Currently being fed on live baby brine shrimp. Fry were free swimming 2 weeks apart yet they are all the same size. Fry are in a large Fluval breeding box attached to the 40 breeder they were spawned in. Tank gets two 25% water changes weekly.
Young fish available? Yes