{"product_id":"tanganyika-cichlid-for-sale-uk-lamprologus-caudopunktatus-r-f-3-1384","title":"Lamprologus caudopunktatus r. f. 3 - (Lamprologus caudopunctatus)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eLamprologus caudopunctatus is a charming Tanganyika shell-dweller with fascinating breeding behaviour and compact size that thrives in specialised hard-water cichlid aquariums. Available for \u003cstrong\u003efreshwater fish UK\u003c\/strong\u003e, this species reaches up to 4cm in length and requires a tank of at least 80 litres. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, this dwarf cichlid is an excellent choice for aquarists seeking rare cichlids for sale UK with unique shell-dwelling behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA small, compact cichlid with subtle coloration. The body is typically tan to grey with spotted or speckled patterning. Males and females are similar in appearance, though males may be slightly larger.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eEndemic to Lake Tanganyika, East Africa. Inhabits sandy areas with empty snail shells. Lake Tanganyika is known for its hard, alkaline water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAquarium Setup\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA minimum tank size of 80 litres is suitable. Use sand substrate, provide plenty of empty shells (Nerite, Apple snail shells work well). Filtration must be excellent. Maintain hard, alkaline water (pH 7.5-8.5).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"info-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\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 7.5-8.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-aggressive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 80 litres\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eCarnivorous. Small meaty foods such as quality cichlid pellets, frozen or live brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and other fine carnivorous foods. Feed small portions several times per week.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBehaviour\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eShell-dwelling substrate spawner that breeds in and around empty snail shells. Territorial around the shell site. Forms pairs or small colonies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBest kept species-only or with carefully chosen small Tanganyika companions in a larger tank. Avoid large or boisterous cichlids, highly aggressive Tanganyika species, fin-nipping community fish, slow, delicate fish, and very small fry or shrimp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"tip-box\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTop Tip:\u003c\/strong\u003e Best kept in a Tanganyika-style setup with sand substrate, plenty of empty shells, and strong filtration with moderate water movement. Territorial around the shell site.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA shell-dwelling substrate spawner that usually breeds in and around empty snail shells. Provide multiple shells, stable alkaline hard water, and a pair or small colony. Parents typically guard eggs and fry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Tropical Fish Co\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eTropical Fish Co offers healthy Lamprologus caudopunctatus with expert guidance on dwarf tanganyika cichlid care. With secure packaging and reliable delivery, we make it easy to buy freshwater fish UK with confidence.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"3 - 4 cm","offer_id":57427497517391,"sku":"1384","price":13.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"4 - 5,5cm","offer_id":57456804987215,"sku":"0740","price":18.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"\u003e 5,5 cm","offer_id":57456805019983,"sku":"0741","price":21.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/lamprologus-caudopunktatus-r-f-3-lamprologus-caudopunct-hero-driftwood-1384.webp?v=1776549012","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/tanganyika-cichlid-for-sale-uk-lamprologus-caudopunktatus-r-f-3-1384","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}