HomeFreshwater aquarium fishAfrican cichlidsLamprologus speciosus Lamprologus speciosus Scientific name: Lamprologus speciosus B?scher, 1991 Lamprologus speciosus is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows to about 5 cm (2 in). In the aquarium it needs water at 23–27°C (73–81°F) and a pH of 7.4. Native range: Africa, Endemic to Lake Tanganyika. Lamprologus speciosus care at a glanceCommunity tankNot suitableAdult size5 cm (2 in)Temperature23–27°C (73–81°F)pH7.4Hardness7–30 dGH (125–535 ppm)DietCarnivore BiologyOn sandy bottom with snail shells wich are burried in the sand and used as shelter and for depositing the eggs.Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific nameLamprologus speciosusFamilyCichlidae (Cichlids)OrderPerciformes (Perch-like fish)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length5.0Depth range3–60 m (10–197 ft)EnvironmentFreshwater;; pH range: 7.4 - 8.4; dH range: 7 - 30 benthopelagic; depth range 3 - 60 m, usually 5 - 40 mClimateTropicalDistributionAfrica: Endemic to south-western part of Lake Tanganjika, Democratic Republic of the Congo.Conservation status (IUCN)Not EvaluatedThreat to humansHarmlessUsesFisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercialResilienceHigh, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (tm More african cichlidsNeolamprologus similisNeolamprologus bifasciatusJewelfishHemichromis bimaculatusMaylandia lombardoiPseudotropheus crabroMelanochromis chipokaeSee all african cichlids SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.Last updated 28 September 2026