Lamprologus Leleupi "Yellow"-2-3"

The Lamprologus leleupi “Yellow” is a brilliantly colored cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. This variant is prized in the aquarium hobby for its striking solid yellow coloration, bold personality, and adaptability in Tanganyikan setups.

Adult Yellow Leleupi typically reach about 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) in length. Their bodies are slender and elongated, with a continuous bright lemon-yellow hue that can range from deep golden to pale yellow, depending on lighting, diet, and individual genetics. The fins are usually the same color as the body, and the eyes are dark and expressive. Males and females look similar, though males are generally larger with slightly longer fins.

A tank of at least 30 gallons is recommended for a pair or small group. The aquarium should be set up with a sand or fine gravel substrate, numerous caves, crevices, and rocky structures to mimic their natural shoreline habitat and provide hiding spots. Dense rockwork helps reduce aggression by offering visual barriers between individuals. Open swimming areas should also be included.

Water parameters should match those of Lake Tanganyika: a temperature range of 75 to 80°F (24 to 27°C), a pH between 7.8 and 9.0, and hard, alkaline water with high mineral content. Stable water chemistry is crucial, as these fish are sensitive to sudden changes.

Feeding Neolamprologus leleupi is straightforward. They are carnivorous and should be given a varied diet of high-quality cichlid pellets, frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, krill, and insect larvae. Avoid feeding excessive amounts of fatty or poor-quality foods to maintain vibrant coloration and good health.

Yellow Leleupi are territorial, especially during breeding, and can be aggressive toward conspecifics and similar-shaped species. They do best either as a single mated pair or in carefully selected Tanganyikan community tanks with species that occupy different niches, such as shell dwellers (Neolamprologus multifasciatus), featherfins (Ophthalmotilapia), or Cyprichromis species.

Breeding Yellow Leleupi is possible in the home aquarium. They are cave spawners; the female lays eggs inside a chosen crevice or cave, and both parents guard the eggs and fry. Once the fry are free-swimming, they can be fed newly hatched baby brine shrimp and finely crushed flakes or pellets.

Neolamprologus leleupi “Yellow” is a stunning, bold Tanganyikan cichlid that adds a vivid splash of color and fascinating behavior to rocky biotope aquariums.