Black Occy (Lamprologus speciosus)

From The Aquarium Wiki
Revision as of 03:03, 13 December 2017 by PsiPro (talk | contribs)
Jump to: navigation, search

Black Occy

IMG 2217.jpg
Black Occy Breeding Pair

Lamprologus speciosus

76 Litres (20 US G.)

4-6 cm (1.6-2.4")

sg

Freshwater

pH

7.4 - 9.0

23 -28 °C (73.4-82.4°F)

7-30 °d

1:1 M:F

Carnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods

3-5 years

Family

Cichlidae



Additional names

Black Occy

Additional scientific names

Lamprologus Ocellatus "Black"


Origin

Endemic to Lake Tanganyika.


Sexing

Very difficult to sex visually. Once the Alpha male has been established, sub dominant males can often act like a female. Mature males are larger than females
  • Juveniles : Males grow faster and the lips look bigger and thicker. This can be noticed around 3-3.5cm (1.2-1.4") mark.
  • Sub-Adults : Females are much more aggressive. When a shell has been chosen, she would never leave that site while the males will often wonder around the tank.
  • Females will also turn half orange/yellow (front half of the body) when fighting amongst females and when they are sexually active.
  • Males can do this but rarely. The colouration isn't as intense as the female and would only be for a few seconds.
Generally an adults will attain the following size.
  • Males around 6cm (2.4")
  • Females around 4.5cm (1.8")


Tank compatibility

These shelldwelling Cichlids display conspecific aggression which is extremely high amongst females. Contrary to popular belief, they are relatively peaceful towards other tank mates, however they will defend their territories aggressively.


Diet

Not a fussy eater. Live and frozen varieties should form the bulk of the diet, although dried foods are usually accepted.


Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day.


Environment specifics

Tanganyikan set up is needed with sandy substrate preferred as they will dig. Sharp substrates should be avoided.


Behaviour

Shelldwellers, behaves like similar fish such as Lamprologus ocellatus. These fish can be kept as a pair, or in harem as the alpha male will bond with multiple females.


Identification

See sexing.

Pictures

Videos

External links