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.
Altolamprologus Compressiceps At a Glance
Altolamprologus Compressiceps Tank Requirements
Will Altolamprologus Compressiceps fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Altolamprologus Compressiceps needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Altolamprologus Compressiceps against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Altolamprologus Compressiceps Water Parameters
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Altolamprologus Compressiceps Temperament & Compatibility
Altolamprologus Compressiceps Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males grow significantly larger than females and develop a more pronounced, steep facial profile. They are highly territorial toward other males and similar species (like A. calvus). Best kept as a single male per tank.
Differs in 4 traits from base species
Also known as: Male Comp
Female
Females are dramatically smaller than males. In the aquarium, they will often utilize large snail shells (like Neothauma) for refuge and spawning, behaving somewhat like shell-dwelling cichlids.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Comp, Shell Spawner
Altolamprologus Compressiceps Care Guide Summary
The Altolamprologus Compressiceps, scientifically known as Altolamprologus compressiceps, belongs to the Cichlids - African family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 13 cm and have a compressed body shape with a slow growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the bottom and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Altolamprologus Compressiceps requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 150 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 27°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 Compressiceps 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 Compressiceps Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Altolamprologus Compressiceps, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom and mid-level 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 Compressiceps Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Altolamprologus Compressiceps 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, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, 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 bottom and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Altolamprologus Compressiceps Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Altolamprologus Compressiceps.
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
Show 9 more tank sizes
Altolamprologus Compressiceps Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Altolamprologus Compressiceps 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 Compressiceps
How big does Altolamprologus Compressiceps get?
Altolamprologus Compressiceps (Altolamprologus compressiceps) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 13 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a slow growth rate.
What tank size does Altolamprologus Compressiceps need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 150 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm are recommended for Altolamprologus Compressiceps. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Altolamprologus Compressiceps need?
Altolamprologus Compressiceps thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–27°C, a pH between 7.8 and 9, and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Altolamprologus Compressiceps peaceful or aggressive?
Altolamprologus Compressiceps is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 6 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Altolamprologus Compressiceps live alone?
Yes, Altolamprologus Compressiceps can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Altolamprologus Compressiceps safe with shrimp?
No. Altolamprologus Compressiceps 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 Compressiceps have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Altolamprologus Compressiceps 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 Compressiceps
These plants pair well with Altolamprologus Compressiceps 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 Compressiceps
Cyprichromis Leptosoma
Cyprichromis leptosoma
A unique, pelagic (open-water) schooling cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. Unlike rock-dwelling African cichlids, 'Cyps' live in massive shoals in the open water column where males display to females in spectacular 3D territories. They require very hard, alkaline water and a long tank (minimum 4 feet / 120cm) to accommodate their active swimming behavior.
Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus)
Eretmodus cyanostictus
An intriguing, goby-like cichlid native to the shallow, highly oxygenated surge zones of Lake Tanganyika. They have a reduced swim bladder, causing them to 'hop' along the rocky bottom rather than swim freely. They require highly oxygenated water, strong flow, and a strict herbivorous diet (aufwuchs/algae) to avoid fatal intestinal bloat. They are highly intolerant of conspecifics unless kept as a bonded pair.
Malawi Eyebiter
Dimidiochromis compressiceps
A large, highly specialized predatory cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi. Named for its legendary habit of biting the eyes out of prey (though it mostly swallows smaller fish whole), it features an extremely compressed body used to camouflage among reeds before ambushing its target. Males turn brilliant metallic blue, while females remain silver.
Altolamprologus Calvus
Altolamprologus calvus
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.
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.
Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara)
Aulonocara sp.
Endemic to Lake Malawi, Peacock Cichlids are highly sought after for the breathtaking colors of the males. They are benthivorous, using sensory pores on their jaws to hunt small invertebrates in the sand. While territorial, they are generally peaceful compared to their aggressive Mbuna cousins. They require hard, alkaline water and a sandy substrate to prevent gill damage while sifting.