Species profile
Black Calvus
Altolamprologus calvus
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
200 L minimum aquarium
12–15 cm adult size
Bottom–mid
Minimum group: 2
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
'Black' is not a formal species or subspecies name and may refer to several natural locality variants. Husbandry follows Altolamprologus calvus.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–27 °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
Small fish
Bioload factor
1.5
Slow-growing crevice predator. Usually deliberate rather than frantic, but adults defend caves and will eat small fish and fry.
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
No
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
8–12 years
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
200 L
Minimum footprint
100 × 45 cm
Accepted scientific name
Altolamprologus calvus
Alternative names
Black Calvus, Altolamprologus calvus black, Black Zaire Calvus, Black Pectoral Calvus
Native range
Black is a trade/locality colour descriptor within Altolamprologus calvus; the species is endemic to rocky Lake Tanganyika shorelines.
Natural habitat
Rocky littoral habitat with deep narrow crevices, hard alkaline water and high dissolved oxygen.
Diet & feeding
Crevice-feeding predator of crustaceans, insect larvae and small fish/fry; use meaty frozen foods and quality carnivore/cichlid pellets.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males grow substantially larger and more robust; females remain smaller, making sexing easier in mature fish.
Breeding
Cave/crevice spawner. The female enters a narrow cavity inaccessible to the larger male; eggs are fertilised at the entrance and the female guards them.