Genus / Tribe: Neolamprologus / Lamprologini.
Locality: Kambwimba (Tanzania, Lake Tanganyika).
Biotope: Found in areas with accumulations of snail shells. Interestingly, they often live in shells collected by the larger Lamprologus callipterus since N. calliurus is not strong enough to move shells themselves. They are typically found at depths of around 10 meters, but can be found as deep as 40 meters.
Adult Size: Significant size difference between sexes. In the wild, males reach about 9 cm (up to 11 cm in aquarium). Females rarely exceed 5 cm (up to 7 cm in aquarium).
Appearance: One of the most distinctive features is the crescent-shaped (lyretail) tail, which helps distinguish them from N. brevis.
Sexual Dimorphism: Primarily size; adult males may also be more intensely colored than the lighter-colored females.
Minimum Tank Size: 100 Liters (approx. 26 gallons) for one male and several females.
Setup: Use fine sand and provide snail shells. It is recommended to use shells small enough that only females can enter. If shells are too large, the male may enter and potentially eat the fry.
Social Structure: This is a harem-dwelling species. In the wild, a male may have up to 12 females; in an aquarium, a ratio of one male to at least three females is recommended.
Tank Mates: Good for community tanks with other Tanganyikan cichlids like Cyprichromis or Xenotilapia. The male is only territorial over the shell area.
Diet: Primarily zooplankton feeders. In the aquarium, they should be fed small live or frozen foods like Cyclops, Artemia, and Daphnia.
Aggression: Generally peaceful, showing aggression only when defending their immediate territory around the shells.
Type: Shell-brooder.
Process: The female stays in or near her shell. She lures the male to the entrance, and because he is too large to enter, he fertilizes the eggs by releasing sperm into the shell opening.
Clutch Size: Typically between 25 and 50 fry.
Sneaker Males: Similar to L. callipterus, "dwarf" or "sneaker" males exist that attempt to fertilize eggs while the dominant male is distracted.