Neolamprologus hecqui

Scientific name: Neolamprologus hecqui Boulenger, 1899

Neolamprologus hecqui is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows to about 8 cm (3.1 in). It is semi-aggressive and needs a tank of at least 75 L (20 US gal), water at 23–27°C (73–81°F) and a pH of 7.4–8.4. Native range: Africa, Endemic to Lake Tanganyika where it is widely distributed.

Neolamprologus hecqui care at a glance

Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Adult size: 8 cm (3.1 in)
Minimum tank: 75 L (20 US gal)
Temperature: 23–27°C (73–81°F)
pH: 7.4–8.4
Hardness: 7–30 dGH (125–535 ppm)
Diet: Carnivore

Species facts

Scientific name: Neolamprologus hecqui
Family: Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 8.0
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 7.4 - 8.4; dH range: 7 - 30 benthopelagic
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Africa: Endemic to Lake Tanganyika where it is widely distributed.
Conservation status (IUCN): Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquarium: commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

Taxonomy, 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