Neolamprologus toae

Neolamprologus toae is known from Toa Bay on the Tanzanian coast of Lake Tanganyika and is one of the more spectacular members of the genus, with a creamy-white to pale-tan body adorned with evenly spaced rows of blue-black spots that extend onto the fins. Large males develop extended dorsal and caudal fin rays that add to the species' elegance.

Toae inhabits intermediate rocky-sandy zones, using the interface between rock and sand to stake territories. In captivity it benefits from a setup that provides both rocky structure for caves and open sandy areas with shells. Its territorial aggression falls in the intermediate range for Lamprologines — more intense than modestus but less extreme than tetracanthus.

This is a species for the dedicated Tanganyika enthusiast. Husbandry demands hard, clean alkaline water and a varied carnivorous diet to maintain colouration and vigour. Toae is occasionally confused with N. caudopunctatus due to similar spotting but can be distinguished by its deeper body and more pronounced fin extensions in adult males.

Water: pH 7.8–9.0, GH 12–20, KH 8–16, temperature 24–27 °C; pristine water essential. Tank: 80 L for a pair; mixed sand-and-rock aquascape; provide shells and caves. Feeding: Frozen Mysis, Artemia, Cyclops; quality carnivore pellets; twice daily. Breeding: Cave or rock crevice spawner; female guards clutch; male defends territory. Compatibility: Keep as a pair; compatible with Cyprichromis or Paracyprichromis in larger tanks.