Red Fin Caudopunk
Neolamprologus caudopunctatus
A small, spirited cichlid native to the transitional rocky-sandy shores of Lake Tanganyika. Recognizable by its pearly body, iridescent blue eyes, and striking orange/red dorsal fin margin. They are versatile breeders, utilizing both rock crevices and empty snail shells. While relatively peaceful for Tanganyikan cichlids, they fiercely defend their territory when spawning.
Red Fin Caudopunk At a Glance
Red Fin Caudopunk Tank Requirements
Will Red Fin Caudopunk fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Red Fin Caudopunk needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Red Fin Caudopunk against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Red Fin Caudopunk Water Parameters
Red Fin Caudopunk Temperament & Compatibility
Red Fin Caudopunk Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard form. Males and females are virtually identical in coloration, though mature males may grow slightly larger. Often kept in pairs or small breeding colonies.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Kapampa, Orange Fin, Wild Type
Red Fin Caudopunk Care Guide Summary
The Red Fin Caudopunk, scientifically known as Neolamprologus caudopunctatus, belongs to the Cichlids - African family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 6.5 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate 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 Red Fin Caudopunk requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 23°C and 27°C, with a pH range of 8–9 and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Red Fin Caudopunk is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Red Fin Caudopunk is typically available in one standard form.
Red Fin Caudopunk Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Red Fin Caudopunk, 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. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Red Fin Caudopunk Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Red Fin Caudopunk is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, 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 bottom and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Red Fin Caudopunk Is Actually For
Red Fin Caudopunk is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide someone who understands its individual space requirements. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially sand.
The most common mistake is treating Red Fin Caudopunk like any other community fish and skipping the soft sand it needs to forage safely. Another frequent problem is forcing it into an over-busy community when it would do better with more room or more deliberate tankmate choices.
Red Fin Caudopunk Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Red Fin Caudopunk.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 17 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Fin Caudopunk
How big does Red Fin Caudopunk get?
Red Fin Caudopunk (Neolamprologus caudopunctatus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 6.5 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Red Fin Caudopunk need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Red Fin Caudopunk. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Red Fin Caudopunk need?
Red Fin Caudopunk thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 23–27°C, a pH between 8 and 9, and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Red Fin Caudopunk peaceful or aggressive?
Red Fin Caudopunk 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 Red Fin Caudopunk live alone?
Yes, Red Fin Caudopunk can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Red Fin Caudopunk have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Red Fin Caudopunk 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.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 11, 2026
- Last updated
- May 11, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Plants That Suit Red Fin Caudopunk
These plants pair well with Red Fin Caudopunk 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 Red Fin Caudopunk
Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi)
Neolamprologus leleupi
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.
Yellow Sand Cichlid
Xenotilapia bathyphilus
An elegant, bottom-dwelling cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. They are highly specialized 'sand-sifters' that take mouthfuls of sand to filter out small invertebrates. They are relatively peaceful for African cichlids but can be territorial during breeding. They are highly skittish and do best in small shoals. A fine sand substrate is absolutely mandatory for their survival and natural behavior.
Redhead Cichlid
Vieja melanura
A massive, deep-bodied Central American cichlid famous for its vibrant pastel colors and prominent red head. In the wild, they are primarily herbivorous, but in captivity, they are opportunistic omnivores. They are aggressive, territorial, and possess immense jaw strength, making them capable of destroying most aquatic plants and rearranging tank decor at will.
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.
Red Fin Borleyi
Copadichromis borleyi
A popular African Cichlid from Lake Malawi belonging to the open-water Utaka group. Known for extreme sexual dimorphism, mature males display brilliant orange-red bodies with metallic blue heads, while females remain silver. They require hard, alkaline water, sandy substrates, and plenty of open swimming space.
Featherfin Cichlid
Cyathopharynx furcifer
A spectacular Lake Tanganyika cichlid known for its dramatic sexual dimorphism. Males display brilliant metallic hues (blues, greens, or coppers depending on collection point) and possess sweeping, elongated pelvic 'feather' fins. Males build enormous crater-like sand bowers to attract females. Because of this bower-building behavior and their high activity level, footprint (length and width) is far more critical than tank height.