Neolamprologus gracilis

Neolamprologus gracilis is one of the more elegant Lamprologines, its long, cylindrical body and pointed snout giving it a distinctly different silhouette from the stouter shell dwellers. It inhabits intermediate zones between rocky and sandy habitats throughout Lake Tanganyika, often hovering just centimetres above the substrate and retreating into shells when threatened.

In the aquarium, gracilis pairs form a monogamous bond and spawn inside shells or narrow rock crevices. The female guards the eggs with great dedication while the male defends a wider perimeter. Fry are comparatively large when they emerge and can accept finely crushed dry food and Artemia nauplii from their first day of free-swimming.

This species prefers moderate to strong water movement and excellent oxygenation. It is somewhat more sensitive to water quality than the smallest shell dwellers and should not be housed in an overstocked or under-filtered aquarium. Its slender build makes it susceptible to bullying from larger Lamprologines, so choose tankmates carefully.

Water: pH 7.8–9.0, GH 10–20, KH 8–16, temperature 24–27 °C; strong filtration and flow recommended. Tank: 60 L minimum for a pair; sandy substrate with shells and some rock structure; open swimming space. Feeding: Frozen Artemia, Mysis, and Cyclops; small cichlid pellets; two feedings daily. Breeding: Shell or crevice spawner; female incubates; fry accept Artemia nauplii from day one. Compatibility: Keep with similarly sized, non-predatory Tanganyikans; avoid robust Lamprologines that may bully.