Neolamprologus leleupi 'Orange Zaire'

The 'Orange Zaire' form of Neolamprologus leleupi originates from the DRC (formerly Zaire) coastline of Lake Tanganyika and is widely regarded as the most intensely coloured population of the species. Where standard leleupi are bright yellow, the Orange Zaire form burns with a deep tangerine-orange that covers the entire body and all fins, intensifying to near-red on the gill covers of dominant males.

This fish is a rock-dweller by nature, sheltering in crevices and overhangs in the wild, but it readily accepts caves and shells as spawning sites in the aquarium. It is more aggressive than its modest size suggests; a breeding pair can intimidate much larger tankmates and will not tolerate other Lamprologines of similar colour or body shape.

For best results, keep the Orange Zaire form as a bonded pair in a 80 L or larger aquarium with a generous rock layout. Provide regular high-protein frozen foods and a quality cichlid pellet with natural colour-enhancing carotenoids to maintain the extraordinary orange colouration. Avoid housing with other yellow or orange Lamprologines to prevent inter-species aggression.

Water: pH 7.8–9.0, GH 10–20, KH 8–16, temperature 24–27 °C; excellent filtration essential. Tank: 80 L+; generous rockwork with caves; sand substrate; limited open floor needed. Feeding: Frozen Mysis, Artemia, Cyclops; cichlid pellets with carotenoid enrichment; twice daily. Breeding: Cave or rock crevice spawner; female guards brood intensely; remove other fish during rearing. Compatibility: Keep as a bonded pair; compatible with dissimilar open-water species; avoid yellow/orange Lamprologines.