tanganyika

Altolamprologus Calvus Black Pectoral Lupota F1

Altolamprologus calvus “Black Pectoral – Lupota”, one of the most sought-after Lake Tanganyika shell/rock predators, prized for its armor-like body and slow, deliberate behavior.

🐟 Altolamprologus calvus “Black Pectoral – Lupota” — Species Description
📏 Size

Adult size:

12–14 cm (4.5–5.5 inches)

Females are smaller and slimmer

Males develop:

Longer fins

Broader head and body

🌍 Occurrence (Natural Origin)

Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, East Africa

Lupota is a true geographic locality

Habitat:

Rocky cliff faces and crevices

Often found at moderate to deeper depths

Lives among cracks where it can wedge its compressed body

“Black Pectoral” refers to the distinctively dark pectoral fins seen in the Lupota population — a key locality trait.

🎨 Appearance

Body:

Tall, laterally compressed (“knife-like” profile)

Covered in large, hard, armor-like scales

Coloration:

Jet black to charcoal grey

Scattered white to silver pearly spots

Fins:

Deep black pectoral fins

Dorsal and anal fins edged in pale blue or white

Eyes:

Large and forward-facing — adapted for hunting in crevices

🍽️ Diet (Preferred Food)

In the wild:

Carnivorous micro-predator

Feeds on:

Small fish

Fry

Crustaceans

Invertebrates hidden in rocks and shells

In the aquarium:

High-quality carnivore pellets

Frozen foods:

Mysis shrimp

Krill (small pieces)

Chopped shrimp

Occasional live foods (optional, disease-free)

⚠️ Avoid fatty foods and feeder fish.

🧠 Behavior & Temperament

Calm, slow, and deliberate

Not aggressive in the Mbuna sense, but highly predatory

Will eat:

Small fish

Fry

Shell dwellers’ young

Territorial only around its chosen rock crevice

Best kept:

As a pair, or

With larger Tanganyika species

🏞️ Preferred Aquarium Conditions

Tank size:

Single or pair: 200–250 L (55–65 gallons)

pH: 8.0–9.0

Hardness: Hard to very hard

Temperature: 24–26 °C (75–79 °F)

Substrate: Sand

Décor: Heavy rockwork with deep cracks and caves

Low light is preferred — this species dislikes bright illumination.

🧾 Quick Summary
Feature Details
Scientific Name Altolamprologus calvus
Locality Lupota
Variant Black Pectoral
Lake Tanganyika
Adult Size 12–14 cm (4.5–5.5 in)
Diet Carnivorous
Temperament Calm but predatory
Best Setup Rocky Tanganyika tank

⚠️ Critical Compatibility Note

Do NOT mix with:

Malawi cichlids (Mbuna, Peacocks, Haps)

Small Tanganyika shell dwellers (Neolamprologus multifasciatus, etc.)

Good companions (with space):

Cyphotilapia frontosa (juveniles only if size allows)

Julidochromis

Larger Neolamprologus species

🧠 Expert Insight

Altolamprologus calvus is not about speed or aggression — it’s about precision and patience. Its body is designed to slide into cracks and extract prey other fish can’t reach.