Tanganyikan Cichlids

One of the huge Rift Lakes, East Africa's Lake Tanganyika is home to an amazing array of endemic cichlids which have much in common with marine fishes, thanks to thousands of years of evolution to fit similar niches. 

The important groups divide into the substrate-spawning Lamprologines, which include the specialised shell-dwellers and rock-dwelling fairy cichlids normally found in pairs or colonies, and mouthbrooders such as Tropheus, which are the equivalent of the Malawian Mbuna and need to be kept in very large groups to spread their aggression.

All share a need for hard, alkaline water low in nitrates and other pollutants. This makes them an ideal choice for fish keepers in hardwater areas but care should be taken to avoid the fluctuations in parameters that are unknown in their vast and stable natural habitats. 

Generally speaking, these are fishes for large tanks due to their territorial nature and high levels of aggression, but the tiny shell-dwellers are perfect for small aquaria and a few are naturally colonial, capable of living at high densities. Rock-dwelling species can be controlled by the layout of the decor and will rarely bother their neighbours if these are separated by significant areas of open sand. Diet is a factor in compatibilty, with the largely herbivorous Tropheus needing an algae-based diet which can be at odds with otherwise suitable tankmates.