[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Cichlids – Brevis (Neolamprologus brevis)

This is one of the smallest African Rift Lake cichlids in the hobby. In the wild, it occurs over a sandy substratum and lives in and around an empty snail shell. While not being spectacularly colored, males are very attractive. They have a pronounced orange fringe on the upper edge of the dorsal fin, which is not present in females.

Synonym

• Lamprologus brevis

Distribution

• Throughout Lake Tanganyika.

Size

• Males up to 2in (5cm); females smaller.

Behavior

• Peaceful snail-shell dweller; tolerant of other species.

Diet

• Prefers livefoods but will accept other formulations, particularly deep-frozen ones.

Aquarium

• Properly constructed backgrounds with sandy areas and one cave and/or large empty snail shell per adult. Must be well lit and well filtered. Medium-hard, alkaline water important. Temperature range: 73-79 F (23-26 C).

Breeding

• Eggs are laid in a snail shell. Both parents care for the brood.