Lepidiolamprologus elongatus 'Kasenga'

Lepidiolamprologus elongatus 'Kasenga' is a large, fast, and powerful predatory cichlid from the rocky shores of Lake Tanganyika near Kasenga. Its elongated, torpedo-shaped body is built for speed and the powerful jaws are adapted for overtaking and consuming smaller fish. A subtle pale-blue to silver sheen runs across the flanks in healthy, well-conditioned specimens.

This is a rewarding but demanding fish requiring a very large aquarium, excellent filtration, and tankmates exclusively of fish too large to be eaten. It is aggressive toward conspecifics outside breeding pairs and should ideally be kept as a single specimen or a bonded pair.

The Kasenga population is characterised by a slightly more elongated body and more uniform silver-blue colouration compared to other populations, and is available from specialist Tanganyika cichlid breeders.

Water: 24–27°C, pH 7.8–9.0, GH 10–18, KH 8–16; excellent filtration essential for a large predatory fish. Tank: 300 L minimum for a pair; large rocky structures; very tight-fitting lid — this species can jump. Feeding: Large cichlid pellets; frozen whole shrimp, whitebait, krill; feed twice daily. Breeding: Cave spawner; pair bonds; female guards eggs in cave; male defends outer territory. Compatibility: Aggressive; house only with large, robust Tanganyika species — Frontosa, large Synodontis, large Altolamprologus.