Altolamprologus calvus is another laterally compressed cichlid from Lake Tanganyika where is endemic to the southern part of Africa. Like its cousin Altolamprologus compressiceps this species has a prominent high dorsal fin and large mouth or jaw depending on how you look at it. It’s nicknamed the Black Calvus and can reach some five inches in length.

 

Listed as near threatened species on the IUCN website, A. calvus has major threats including degradation of habitat; water pollution; landslide, sedimentation; and collection for the aquarium trade despite its wide spread distribution.

 

In the wild Altolamprologus calvus feeds on insect larvae and small crustaceans and even the small fry of other cichlids. One of the unique attributes to this species is in its breeding strategy. Like many African cichlids from Lake Tanganyika where niches for breeding and feeding are established, A. calvus developed a breeding strategy relative to the cramped rocky biotype it inhabits.

 

The strategy for spawning includes the a very tight enclose in the rocks such that the female can enter and deposit her eggs, the male in turn fertilizes from above by lying over the entrance of the crevice releasing sperm into the water. Interestingly he will patrol the rocks surrounding this area while the female remains inside with the eggs and they fry until they emerge.

 

 

 

 

inkfin

black

white

kipili

yellow

black zambian

black pectoral

black zaire

black kapampa

kipili zebra

white chaitika

red fin