Chalinochromis caudomaculatus

Chalinochromis caudomaculatus is instantly distinguished from its congener C. brichardi by the prominent dark spot at the base of the caudal fin that gives the species its name. The body is elongated and pale cream with two or three dark horizontal stripes running from the snout to the caudal spot, giving the fish a sleek, streamlined appearance. It inhabits rocky shoreline zones throughout Lake Tanganyika.

Like all Chalinochromis, caudomaculatus is a monogamous cave-spawner that forms durable pair bonds. The pair selects a narrow crevice or overhanging rock ledge as a spawning site, cleaning the surface meticulously before depositing a small clutch of adhesive eggs. Both parents share territory defence and fry-herding duties, making this one of the more cooperatively parental Tanganyika cichlids.

The species adapts well to aquarium life and is less aggressive than many Lamprologines, making it a versatile component of a mixed Tanganyika community. Provide rockwork with narrow crevices that mimic the rocky lake shoreline. Water must be hard, alkaline, and clean, and diet should be varied — the species is an opportunistic omnivore that benefits from both plant-based dry food and protein-rich frozen items.

Water: pH 7.8–9.0, GH 10–20, KH 8–16, temperature 24–27 °C; stable and well-oxygenated. Tank: 100 L+; heavy rockwork with narrow crevices; sand substrate. Feeding: Omnivore; quality cichlid pellets and flake; frozen Artemia and Cyclops; twice daily. Breeding: Cave-spawner; biparental defence; small clutch; fry accept Artemia nauplii. Compatibility: More peaceful than most Lamprologines; good community Tanganyika species.