Species profile
Calvus Cichlid
Altolamprologus calvus
Semi aggressive
Hard care
200 L minimum aquarium
10–13.5 cm adult size
Mid bottom
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Slow-growing Tanganyikan crevice predator. Needs rockwork with narrow refuges and stable hard alkaline water.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–27 °C
pH
8–9
GH
10–20 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Mid bottom
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
2.5
Rock/crevice specialist with a laterally compressed body. Territorial towards similar cichlids; small crustaceans/fry are prey.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
No / caution
Cave breeder
Yes
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
200 L
Minimum footprint
100 × 40 cm
Accepted scientific name
Altolamprologus calvus
Alternative names
Calvus Cichlid, Pearl Calvus, Altolamprologus calvus
Native range
Lake Tanganyika, East Africa.
Natural habitat
Rocky littoral habitat with deep cracks and narrow crevices. Build stable rock structures with multiple tight refuges and open hunting space.
Diet & feeding
Predatory specialist on crustaceans and small aquatic animals. Feed quality carnivore cichlid foods and varied frozen/live invertebrates.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Mature males are markedly larger and more robust than females; size difference becomes clearer with age.
Breeding
Crevice/cave spawner. The smaller female enters a narrow cavity to lay eggs while the larger male fertilises from outside/entrance and guards territory.