Neolamprologus wauthioni

Neolamprologus wauthioni is among the rarest Lamprologines in the aquarium hobby, known from only a handful of localities along the western shore of Lake Tanganyika. It closely resembles N. brevis at first glance but is distinguished by a notably more elongated body, a slightly less rounded head profile, and subtly different fin patterning. Wild-caught specimens rarely appear in the trade.

Behaviourally, wauthioni is a conventional shell dweller: the male defends a small territory centred on a shell cluster and allows females to occupy satellite shells within his domain. Brood care is handled solely by the female, who guards eggs and wrigglers inside the shell with great tenacity. The male's contribution is territorial exclusion of rival males.

Due to its rarity, wauthioni commands premium prices and is recommended only for advanced keepers with established Tanganyika systems. Maintaining it in a dedicated species tank with scrupulously stable water chemistry maximises the chance of successful breeding and accurate identification (to avoid accidental hybridisation with related species).

Water: pH 7.8–9.0, GH 10–18, KH 8–14, temperature 24–27 °C; scrupulous stability required. Tank: 40 L minimum species tank; fine sand; 4–5 shells; no other shell-dwelling cichlids. Feeding: Frozen Artemia, Cyclops, micro-worms; quality micro pellets; twice daily. Breeding: Shell-spawner; female guards alone; small clutch; fry accept Artemia nauplii. Compatibility: Species tank only due to rarity and hybridisation risk; mid-water Tanganyikans acceptable in larger setups.