Care
Neolamprologus caudopunctatus is endemic to the Zambian shores of Lake Tanganyika. Here, it is found at the intermediate habitat, where rocky outcrops give way to large expanses of sandy substrate. The aquarium that houses this species should be at least 3ft long, with a good amount of filtration, water movement and oxygenation. The best choice of substrate would be coral sand or aragonite, which will help to keep the water hard and alkaline. Rocks should be used to create small outcrops and plenty of caves, ensuring that there are ample visual barriers. There should also be an open expanse of sand, and large shells can be added to provide additional spawning sites - although these fish are rockdwellers (rather than true shelldwellers), they do like to utilise shells for breeding. N. caudopunctatus are only mildly aggressive and can be maintained in pairs or groups in a species-only aquarium, or as part of a Tanganyikan community with fish of similar size and temperament, and which occupy different areas. However, if a breeding pair forms within the group, they can become much more territorial, and it may be best to move them to a tank of their own at this stage; although in very spacious quarters, this should not become a serious issue, particularly if there are plenty of hiding places and broken lines-of-sight. N. caudopunctatus are intolerant of poor water conditions, so ensure small partial water changes are carried out on a frequent basis.
Feeding
Flake, slow-sinking pellets/granules, and small meaty frozen foods such as vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, Mysis shrimp, mosquito larvae, daphnia etc.
Breeding
This species has been bred in the home aquarium. When ready to spawn, the pair will select a suitable nest site, usually a small crevice or cave in the rockwork. If no suitable caves are available, they will excavate an area next to or between rocks, or will instead use a large shell. Spawning tends to be a secretive affair, with the female depositing her eggs (which may number 40-60) on the sides of the cave or shell, or on the rock next to the depression they have excavated. Once the male has fertilised the eggs, he is driven away from the nest site by the female who then guards the eggs, fanning them with her pectoral fins. The eggs should hatch after 72 hours (temperature dependent), with the fry becoming free-swimming around a week later. At this point they will be large enough to accept baby brineshrimp (Artemia nauplii). The fry will stay close to the spawning site, and multiple generations are usually tolerated. This behaviour also occurs in the wild, with the sub-adult, sexually inactive fish forming a protective group around the wider territory of the breeding community.
