Neolamprologus ocellatus 'Gold'

The Gold morph of Neolamprologus ocellatus carries a warm golden-yellow body colouration that appears to glow in good aquarium lighting, complemented by the characteristic blue-green iridescent eye-spots on the gill covers that give the species its name. This morph may represent a selected captive line or a naturally occurring population variant; its exact origin is debated among specialists but its appeal is undeniable.

In behaviour, the Gold ocellatus is identical to other forms: a single male defends a territory containing the shells of one to three females, all of which spawn inside their individual shells and care for their own broods independently. The male's primary role is territorial defence; he has little direct involvement with fry care.

The Gold morph is one of the most commercially available ocellatus forms and is an excellent choice for hobbyists new to Lake Tanganyika cichlids. It tolerates beginner-level Tanganyika husbandry well, provided basic hard-water chemistry requirements are met and shells are always available.

Water: pH 7.8–9.0, GH 10–18, KH 8–14, temperature 24–27 °C. Tank: 40 L minimum; fine sand; several escargot or Neothauma shells per fish. Feeding: Micro pellets and frozen Artemia, Cyclops, Daphnia; twice daily. Breeding: Shell-spawner; small clutches; fry free-swimming in 10 days; Artemia nauplii as first food. Compatibility: Keep as species or with Cyprichromis; never mix with other ocellatus or N. brevis to avoid hybridisation.