A highly specialized predator endemic to Lake Tanganyika. Famous for its scaleless forehead ('calvus' meaning bald) and an extremely laterally compressed body, which allows it to slip into narrow rock crevices to hunt fry and steal eggs. They are notoriously slow growers, taking years to reach full size. While they are lethal to fry and small nano-fish, they are remarkably peaceful towards similarly-sized tank mates.
Altolamprologus Calvus At a Glance
Altolamprologus Calvus Tank Requirements
Will Altolamprologus Calvus fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Altolamprologus Calvus needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Altolamprologus Calvus against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Altolamprologus Calvus Water Parameters
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Altolamprologus Calvus Temperament & Compatibility
Altolamprologus Calvus Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males grow significantly larger than females and develop a steeper, more pronounced forehead as they mature. They can be territorial towards other males of the same species, so keeping one male per tank is standard unless the aquarium is very large.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Male Calvus, Adult Male
Female
Females are much smaller than males. In the wild and in aquariums, they frequently use large snail shells (like Neothauma) or very tight rock crevices as safe havens and spawning sites.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Calvus, Breeding Female
Altolamprologus Calvus Care Guide Summary
The Altolamprologus Calvus, scientifically known as Altolamprologus calvus, belongs to the Cichlids - African family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 14 cm and have a compressed body shape with a slow growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a medium level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Altolamprologus Calvus requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 114 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 7.8–9 and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Altolamprologus Calvus is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Altolamprologus Calvus Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Altolamprologus Calvus, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and shells for breeding and shelter.
Altolamprologus Calvus Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Altolamprologus Calvus is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, any fish small enough to fit in its mouth will likely be eaten, ornamental shrimp are not safe companions, territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited, and boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Altolamprologus Calvus Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Altolamprologus Calvus.
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
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Altolamprologus Calvus Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Altolamprologus Calvus is a predatory species that will readily consume small fish, so nano or bite-sized tankmates should be avoided, will hunt and eat ornamental shrimp, making it unsuitable for shrimp-focused setups, and will eat fry, so breeding efforts in the same tank are unlikely to succeed.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Altolamprologus Calvus
How big does Altolamprologus Calvus get?
Altolamprologus Calvus (Altolamprologus calvus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 14 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a slow growth rate.
What tank size does Altolamprologus Calvus need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 114 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm are recommended for Altolamprologus Calvus. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Altolamprologus Calvus need?
Altolamprologus Calvus thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 7.8 and 9, and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Altolamprologus Calvus peaceful or aggressive?
Altolamprologus Calvus is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 5 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Altolamprologus Calvus live alone?
Yes, Altolamprologus Calvus can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Altolamprologus Calvus safe with shrimp?
No. Altolamprologus Calvus is known to eat ornamental shrimp and is not recommended for shrimp tanks. Even larger shrimp species like Amano Shrimp may be at risk.
Does Altolamprologus Calvus have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Altolamprologus Calvus benefits from sand (sifters) and shells (breeding/hiding) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Altolamprologus Calvus
These plants pair well with Altolamprologus Calvus based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Balansae
Cryptocoryne crispatula
Broadleaf Crinum
Crinum natans
Fish Similar to Altolamprologus Calvus
Altolamprologus Compressiceps
Altolamprologus compressiceps
A highly specialized, predatory African Cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. It features an extremely laterally compressed (paper-thin) body and steep forehead, designed to slip into narrow rocky crevices to hunt fry and invertebrates. They are notorious for their very slow growth rate and heavily 'armored' scales.
Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus)
Tropheus duboisi
An iconic Lake Tanganyika cichlid famous for its dramatic life-stage color change. Juveniles are jet black with brilliant white polka-dots, while adults develop a blue head and a distinctive yellow or white vertical band across a dark body. They are highly aggressive toward their own kind and must be kept in large colonies (10+) to disperse aggression. They are strict herbivores that require a specialized diet to avoid fatal digestive issues.
Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna)
Melanochromis auratus
The Auratus Cichlid is a stunning but notoriously aggressive Mbuna from Lake Malawi. They exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism. They are strictly rock-dwellers that graze on algae (aufwuchs). Due to their hyper-aggressive nature, they must be kept in species-only or carefully managed, overstocked Mbuna setups with a strict harem ratio (1 male to several females) to disperse aggression.
Fairy Cichlid (Brichardi)
Neolamprologus brichardi
An elegant but fiercely territorial Lake Tanganyika cichlid. They are famous for their complex social structure, forming massive, multi-generational colonies where older siblings help defend and raise new fry. Due to their extreme territoriality when breeding, they are best kept in a species-only tank, as they will aggressively eliminate non-colony tank mates.
Frontosa
Cyphotilapia frontosa
A majestic and iconic deep-water cichlid from Lake Tanganyika, famous for its striking black and white bands and the prominent nuchal hump on its head. Despite their massive size, they are gentle giants compared to other African cichlids. However, they are highly effective piscivores and will easily consume smaller fish. They are best kept in a 'harem' colony of one male to multiple females.
Cuckoo Catfish
Synodontis multipunctatus
A striking African catfish famous for its 'cuckoo' breeding strategy, where it sneaks its eggs into the clutches of mouthbrooding cichlids. They are highly active, social, and thrive in hard, alkaline water typical of Lake Tanganyika. They must be kept in groups to diffuse conspecific aggression and are best kept with Rift Lake cichlids.