General information - The unique shape of the compressiceps makes

it a valuable addition to all Tanganyikan cichlid tanks. Altolamprologus

compressiceps is not difficult to handle, but it is a project since it is very

slow growing.  Altolamprologus compressiceps is an impressive fish

with a deeply sloping forehead and laterally compressed body 

Altolamprologus compressiceps is often confused with

Altolamprologus calvus which has a similar body shape and is found in some of the same locations. 

Altolamprologus Compressiceps is interesting in that it possesses very hard scales, perhaps an 

evolutionary adoption that allows it to move in and out of cracks in the rock without being damaged.

Altolamprologus compressiceps is found in rocky habitats Sometimes, males can be recognized by

their longer fins and higher bodies. Its name came from Latin, compressi= compressed, ceps= head.   

Common Name – compressiceps, Compressed Cichlid 

Scientific Name - Altolamprologus compressiceps 

Family – Cichlidae

Origin - Lake Tanganyika, Tanzania and Eastern Africa 

Size – 12cm (5 in) 

First discovered - Boulenger, 1898 

Nutrition – The Altolamprologus compressiceps will accept dry food (flakes and pellets) but prefers

frozen food and live food. 

Behavior – Quite peaceful 

Maintenance and care – Altolamprologus compressiceps is best kept in a medium tank with a lot of

caves created from rocks. It is possible to use plants and woods in its tank. It is recommended to be

kept in Tanganyikan cichlid tanks. Altolamprologus compressiceps can not tolerate high temperatures

and it is not rare to have high rate of death at temperatures near the 30C mark so you have to be cautious. 

Water Parameters – Temperature: 24C- 27C (75.2F - 80.6F), PH: 8-8.8, dGH 18 - 30     

Breeding - Altolamprologus compressiceps is a Tanganyikan substrate-spawning cichlid, It has to be

about two years old to start breeding. In home tank the compressiceps observed spawning in caves and

shells, shell must be small l for the male to enter. The female lays the eggs in the cave and guards them

until they hatch. The male guards the territory surrounding the cave and sometimes guard the entire area.

The male will eat the fry so the female and the eggs will have to be removed to another aquarium where.

The shell can be moved with the female and eggs inside it. Fry became free swimmers after a month and

known to be very slow growers. 

photo by: Dr.Haim Sohat