Species profile
Caudopunctatus Cichlid
Neolamprologus caudopunctatus
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
100 L minimum aquarium
6–7 cm adult size
Bottom–mid
Minimum group: 2
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Not a classic shell-bed specialist despite sometimes spawning in shells. Provide open sand plus rock/cave structure and stable Tanganyikan chemistry.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
23–26 °C
pH
7.8–9
GH
12–25 dGH
KH
8–18 dKH
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 2
Tank zone
Bottom–mid
Territory level
High
Predation risk
Fry
Bioload factor
1.3
Pair-forming Tanganyikan cichlid. Territorial around the spawning site but often workable in a carefully planned Tanganyika community with enough floor space.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
Yes
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
5–8 years
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
100 L
Minimum footprint
75 × 35 cm
Accepted scientific name
Neolamprologus caudopunctatus
Alternative names
Caudopunctatus Cichlid, Red-fin Caudopunctatus
Native range
Lake Tanganyika, East Africa.
Natural habitat
Sandy-bottom transition zones near rocks, where fish hover just above the substrate and use crevices or shells for spawning.
Diet & feeding
Zooplankton and small invertebrates; offer fine quality cichlid foods with frozen/live crustaceans and insect larvae.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males are usually larger with slightly more extended fins; sexing young fish is difficult.
Breeding
Cave/shell-associated substrate spawner. A pair deposits eggs in a sheltered cavity and both parents defend the brood area.