{"product_id":"altolamprologus-compressiceps-red-fin-kagunga","title":"Altolamprologus compressiceps Red Fin Kagunga 3-4 cm","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAltolamprologus compressiceps Red Fin Kagunga\u003c\/strong\u003e is a distinctive Tanganyikan cichlid prized for its laterally compressed body, elegant hunting posture and subtle red fin highlights. Offered at \u003cstrong\u003e3-4 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, these juveniles are still developing their full adult shape and colour, making them an exciting choice for aquarists who enjoy watching a fish grow into its final form. This is a specialist species best kept in a carefully planned Lake Tanganyika aquarium with stable water conditions, rocky structure and suitable tank mates.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKnown for its calm but predatory nature, \u003cem\u003eAltolamprologus compressiceps\u003c\/em\u003e is not a community fish in the usual sense. It thrives in a species-appropriate setup with other Tanganyikan cichlids that can handle its temperament and water requirements. With the right care, it can become a long-lived, fascinating centrepiece fish. As with all livestock from Tropical Fish Co, this fish is covered by our \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e and sent with \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e for a smooth, reliable arrival.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Red Fin Kagunga form is especially appealing to collectors and Tanganyika enthusiasts looking for a location-linked variant with refined markings and a unique profile. It is a fish that rewards patience, good husbandry and a mature aquarium environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare at a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCare Factor\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRecommendation\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eAltolamprologus compressiceps\u003c\/em\u003e (Red Fin Kagunga form)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAltolamprologus, Compressiceps Cichlid, Tanganyikan Predator Cichlid\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdult size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e14-16 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful to semi-aggressive, predatory\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum tank size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e200 litres for a single specimen; larger for a group or mixed Tanganyika setup\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24-27°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.0-9.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarnivorous; quality meaty foods, small frozen foods, sinking carnivore pellets\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTank region\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMiddle to bottom\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8-12 years or more with excellent care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; Natural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAltolamprologus compressiceps\u003c\/em\u003e originates from \u003cstrong\u003eLake Tanganyika\u003c\/strong\u003e in East Africa, one of the oldest and most biologically diverse lakes on Earth. The Kagunga locality is associated with the lake’s rocky shoreline habitats, where fish navigate crevices, boulders and broken stone. In nature, this species uses its compressed body to slip into narrow spaces and hunt small invertebrates, fry and other tiny prey items.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe lake’s water is naturally hard, alkaline and very stable, with high mineral content and excellent clarity. Replicating these conditions in the aquarium is essential. This species is adapted to a highly oxygenated environment and benefits from strong filtration, regular maintenance and plenty of rockwork that mimics its natural territory. Its body shape and hunting behaviour are closely tied to this habitat, which is why a Tanganyika-style aquascape is the best way to keep it healthy and confident.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Setup \u0026amp; Water Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor long-term success, house \u003cem\u003eAltolamprologus compressiceps\u003c\/em\u003e in a mature aquarium with stable, alkaline water and a carefully arranged rocky layout. A single fish can be kept in around \u003cstrong\u003e200 litres\u003c\/strong\u003e, but larger aquariums are strongly recommended if you plan to keep it with other Tanganyikan cichlids. The tank should include caves, vertical rock faces, crevices and open swimming space. Fine sand is ideal as a substrate, as it allows natural behaviour without damaging the fish’s delicate mouthparts or fins.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFiltration should be efficient and water movement moderate to strong, with excellent oxygenation. Regular partial water changes are important to maintain water quality and support healthy growth. Avoid sharp decor and overcrowded layouts that limit movement. Because this species is a deliberate, methodical predator, it benefits from a layout that offers both hiding places and clear sight lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRecommended water parameters:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24-27°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.0-9.0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGeneral hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e hard water preferred\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 200 litres minimum for one fish; larger for mixed Tanganyika systems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen introducing new fish, do so gradually and only into a fully cycled aquarium. This species appreciates stability far more than frequent changes. If you are building a Lake Tanganyika aquarium, pair it with other species that occupy different niches to reduce competition and stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAltolamprologus compressiceps\u003c\/em\u003e is primarily carnivorous. In the wild it feeds on small crustaceans, insect larvae and tiny fish or fry. In the aquarium, offer a varied diet of high-quality meaty foods such as frozen mysis, krill, chopped prawns, bloodworm in moderation, and sinking carnivore pellets or granules designed for cichlids. Variety is important for colour, conditioning and overall health.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFeed small portions once or twice daily, only as much as the fish will consume in a few minutes. Overfeeding can quickly affect water quality and may lead to digestive issues. While juveniles may accept a wider range of foods, adults should be maintained on a protein-rich diet suited to their predatory nature. Avoid relying on mammalian meats or low-quality flake foods. A balanced, species-appropriate feeding routine will help bring out the best body shape and fin colour over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates \/ Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a Tanganyikan cichlid that can be kept with suitable companions, but it is not suitable for a standard tropical community aquarium. Choose tank mates that share the same hard, alkaline water requirements and that are not small enough to be eaten. Peaceful to semi-aggressive Tanganyikan species are usually the best option, provided the aquarium is large enough and territories are well defined.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGood choices may include other Lake Tanganyika cichlids of appropriate size and temperament, such as shell dwellers in larger systems, rock-dwelling species with different niches, or robust upper-level fish that are too large to be considered prey. Avoid tiny fish, shrimp, and delicate species that cannot cope with the water chemistry or the compressiceps’ predatory instincts. It is also wise to avoid aggressive fish that may outcompete or harass this slower, more deliberate cichlid.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs with many cichlids, compatibility improves when the fish are introduced to a well-structured tank with plenty of hiding places and visual breaks. A carefully planned Tanganyika setup will reduce aggression and allow natural behaviour to shine through.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Tropical Fish Co\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt Tropical Fish Co, we understand that specialist fish need specialist care. Our livestock is selected with health, quality and accurate identification in mind, so you can buy with confidence. We pack and dispatch live fish using reliable methods designed to support safe transit, and we offer \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e to get your fish to you quickly and in good condition. Every order is backed by our \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e, giving you extra peace of mind when purchasing online.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhether you are building a dedicated Lake Tanganyika display or adding a standout predator cichlid to an established African setup, \u003cem\u003eAltolamprologus compressiceps Red Fin Kagunga\u003c\/em\u003e is a superb choice for experienced aquarists. With the right environment, this species develops into a truly captivating fish with unique shape, behaviour and presence.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"3-4 cm","offer_id":57446852198735,"sku":"1342","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"4-5 cm","offer_id":57560318902607,"sku":"JP79","price":20.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"5-7 cm","offer_id":57560318935375,"sku":"JP80","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/altolamprologus-compressiceps-red-f-natural-aquarium-1342.webp?v=1777850812","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/altolamprologus-compressiceps-red-fin-kagunga","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}