Species profile
Compressiceps Cichlid
Altolamprologus compressiceps
Semi aggressive
Hard care
300 L minimum aquarium
8–13 cm adult size
Bottom–mid
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Slow-growing laterally compressed Tanganyika predator adapted to hunting among rock crevices. Small fish, fry and crustaceans are at risk.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–27 °C
pH
8–9
GH
15–25 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
Bottom–mid
Territory level
High
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
2.4
Deliberate ambush predator rather than a hyperactive aggressor. Adults still require substantial rock-separated territories and should not be trusted with bite-sized fish.
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
300 L
Minimum footprint
150 × 45 cm
Accepted scientific name
Altolamprologus compressiceps
Alternative names
Compressiceps Cichlid, Altolamprologus compressiceps, Compressed Cichlid
Native range
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, East Africa.
Natural habitat
Rocky littoral habitat with narrow crevices. Build stable vertical rock structure with inaccessible cracks and open hunting lanes.
Diet & feeding
Predates crustaceans, fry and small fish. Feed quality carnivore cichlid foods and varied frozen crustaceans/invertebrates.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males grow substantially larger than females; juveniles are difficult to sex visually.
Breeding
Spawns in narrow crevices/caves that the female can enter more easily than the male. The female tends eggs/fry while the male guards the outer territory.