The Iconic Predatory Jewel of Lake Tanganyika
The Black Congo Calvus is one of the most sought-after and striking cichlids in the hobby. Native to the southwestern rocky coasts of Lake Tanganyika, this wild-type variant is renowned for its intense charcoal-to-jet-black base coloration peppered with brilliant, pearlescent micro-spots. With its distinctive knife-thin, laterally compressed body and prehistoric profile, the Black Calvus adds unmatched character, elegance, and predatory grace to any Tanganyikan biotope.
Stunning Aesthetic: Deep, dark coloration contrasted by glittering white pearling across the flanks and fins.
Fascinating Hunting Behavior: Their ultra-compressed body lets them glide vertically into narrow rock crevices to hunt, making them captivating to watch.
Community-Friendly Temperament: Despite their predatory looks, they are calm, peaceful tankmates toward other similarly sized cichlids and keep largely to their territory.
Slow & Rewarding Growth: A hardy, long-lived showpiece fish that develops deeper colors and grander finnage as it matures.
| Specification | Requirement / Details |
| Scientific Name | Altolamprologus calvus var. "Black Congo" |
| Origin | Lake Tanganyika (Tembwe, DR Congo region) |
| Adult Size | Males: 13.5 – 15 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful / Mild territorial predator (Safe with medium–large fish; will eat small fry) |
| Minimum Tank Size | 200 Litres (~55 Gallons) |
| Diet | Carnivorous (High-protein pellets, mysis shrimp, krill, brine shrimp, bloodworms) |
| Ideal Tank Setup | Rocky biotope with stacked slate, caves, and narrow vertical crevices |
| Ideal Tankmates | Cyprichromis, Julidochromis, Neolamprologus, Frontosa / Gibberosa, and Synodontis catfish |