A striking, torpedo-shaped cichlid endemic to the rocky shores of Lake Tanganyika. Famous for its intense yellow or orange coloration. They are highly territorial cave-dwellers that require hard, alkaline water. Due to their aggression toward their own kind, they are best kept as a solitary specimen or a confirmed breeding pair.
Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) At a Glance
Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) Tank Requirements
Will Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) Water Parameters
Water care products
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Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) Temperament & Compatibility
Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males are larger and significantly more aggressive toward other males. In an average-sized aquarium, keeping more than one male will almost certainly result in fatalities.
Differs in 4 traits from base species
Also known as: Yellow Morph, Orange Morph, Standard
Female
Females are slightly smaller than males but retain the same vibrant coloration. While territorial, they are generally less aggressive than males.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Leleupi
Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) Care Guide Summary
The Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi), scientifically known as Neolamprologus leleupi, belongs to the Cichlids - African family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 10 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as aggressive, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 80 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 8–9 and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. 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.
Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi), 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. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) Compatibility Notes
Classified as aggressive, the Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, ornamental shrimp are not safe companions, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, and territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi).
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
Show 12 more tank sizes
Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) 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 Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi)
How big does Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) get?
Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) (Neolamprologus leleupi) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 10 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 80 cm are recommended for Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi). This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) need?
Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 8 and 9, and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) peaceful or aggressive?
Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) is classified as aggressive with an aggression score of 7 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
Can Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) live alone?
Yes, Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) safe with shrimp?
No. Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) 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 Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) benefits from sand (sifters) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi)
These plants pair well with Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Gillet's Anubias
Anubias gilletii
Java Fern
Leptochilus pteropus
Java Moss
Taxiphyllum barbieri
Fish Similar to Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi)
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.
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.
Neolamprologus Pulcher
Neolamprologus pulcher
An elegant but fiercely territorial African cichlid native to Lake Tanganyika. Known in the hobby as the Daffodil Cichlid, they are famous for their unique 'stepped' colony breeding behavior, where multiple generations of older siblings help raise the newest batches of fry.
Horei Cichlid
Ctenochromis horei
A robust and highly aggressive haplochromine cichlid native to Lake Tanganyika. Known for its striking coloration and dynamic, albeit violent, territorial behavior. Adults are opportunistic predators and piscivores. They are maternal mouthbrooders, and males are fiercely intolerant of other males. They require hard, alkaline water.
Golden Julie
Julidochromis ornatus
A small, striking rock-dwelling cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. They feature a bright yellow body adorned with dark, distinct horizontal stripes. They are crevice spawners that form strong monogamous pairs. While they mind their own business regarding mid-water schooling fish, they are fiercely territorial over their rock piles, especially towards other Julidochromis or similar rock-dwellers.
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.