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Calvus Cichlid
Altolamprologus calvus
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cichliformes›Cichlidae
📍 Lake Tanganyika, Africa
Elegant Tanganyikan predator with a laterally compressed body allowing it to chase prey into shell and rock crevices. Slow-growing and long-lived. Available in black, white, and yellow colour forms.
Care Guide
Diet
Calvus cichlids are strict carnivores that feed primarily on small fish and crustaceans in the wild. Offer high-quality carnivore pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small live fish once daily. Supplement occasionally with quality flake foods formulated for carnivorous cichlids.
Behavior
Calvus cichlids are semi-aggressive predators with a laterally compressed body adapted for hunting in rocky crevices. They are relatively slow-moving and territorial, spending much time hovering near rock formations and caves. They are generally solitary or found in pairs and will consume smaller fish, making them unsuitable for community tanks.
Breeding
Breeding Calvus cichlids in captivity is difficult and rarely achieved by hobbyists. They are cave spawners that require specific conditions including stable water parameters, plenty of rocky shelter, and compatible pairs. Fry are difficult to raise and require specialized live foods; most captive breeding occurs only in specialized facilities.
Tank Mates
Both are Lake Tanganyikan cichlids with similar water needs, but territorial aggression may occur; requires careful monitoring and adequate space
Nocturnal bottom-dweller that occupies different habitat zones; unlikely to compete directly for food or territory
Algae grazer that occupies different ecological niche; hard shell provides protection from predation attempts
Similar to Nerite snail; provides cleanup function without competing for resources or space
Hardy plant that provides shelter and cover without being uprooted; creates natural habitat structure
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against rocks, lethargy
Raise temperature gradually to 28-29°C, perform frequent water changes, use ich-specific medication if needed; maintain excellent water quality
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin bases, progressive fin loss
Improve water quality through increased water changes, reduce stress, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure adequate filtration
Lateral Line Erosion (HLLE)
Pitting or erosion along lateral line and head, loss of sensory pores, darkened appearance
Improve diet with varied foods including quality pellets and frozen foods; enhance water quality and perform regular water changes; may indicate nutritional deficiency
Bacterial Infection
Open sores, cloudy eyes, torn fins, lethargy, loss of appetite
Isolate affected fish, perform frequent water changes, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication; maintain pristine water conditions
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Quick Facts
- pH
- 7.5–9.0
- diet
- carnivore
- maxSize
- 5 inches
- minTankSize
- 30 gallons
- temperature
- 73–81°F (23–27°C)
Temperature
73–81°F
23–27°C