Genus / Tribe: Altolamprologus / Lamprologini
Locality: Kagunga (Tanzania, Lake Tanganyika)
Biotope: Rocky shoreline habitats, typically found at depths of 1–15 meters. They inhabit narrow rock crevices and caves.
Adult Size: Males grow to approximately 12–15 cm, while females are significantly smaller, reaching about 9 cm.
Body Shape: Extremely laterally compressed (thin), allowing them to slip into very narrow cracks in rocks to hunt or hide.
Distinction from A. calvus: A. compressiceps has a shorter snout, a deeper body, and scales present on the head. It usually shows more distinct vertical bars and less pronounced spotting compared to A. calvus.
Minimum Tank Size: 200 Liters (approx. 53 gallons).
Setup: The tank should feature plenty of rocks arranged to create caves and very narrow crevices. For breeding, it is essential to provide caves with entrances small enough for the female to enter but large enough to exclude the male.
Tank Mates: Suitable companions include other Tanganyikan cichlids like Cyprichromis, Neolamprologus, and Julidochromis. You should avoid keeping them with highly competitive or robust species like Tropheus or Petrochromis.
Safety: A tight-fitting lid is required as they are known to jump.
Diet: Carnivorous predator. In nature, they feed on crustaceans, invertebrates, and fish fry. In the aquarium, they may also steal eggs from other fish (including mouthbrooders).
Aggression: Generally peaceful, though males can be aggressive toward one another. They are opportunistic predators of any fry small enough to catch.
Social Structure: Best kept as a single pair or in a group of at least 7 individuals if the aquarium is large enough.
Type: Substrate spawner (specifically a cave/crevice spawner).
Process: The female selects a tight crevice where only she fits and lays 50–200 eggs. The male fertilizes them from the entrance.
Care: The female guards the eggs and fry. The male guards the general territory outside the cave but often leaves before the fry become free-swimming (usually around 5–7 days after hatching).