Why is my Compressiceps always hiding?

This species naturally dwells within rocky crevices and relies on caves for security. Providing more rockwork and vertical structures often makes them feel safer, ironically encouraging them to venture out more frequently.

Will they eat my other fish?

They are specialised piscivores. While they are peaceful towards similarly sized or larger fish, any fish or fry small enough to fit into their surprisingly large mouths will be hunted and eaten.

How do you tell the difference between males and females?

Sexing is difficult when juvenile. As adults, males grow noticeably larger (up to 12 cm, compared to the female's 9 cm) and often develop slightly longer and more pointed dorsal and anal fins.

Can I keep them with shell-dwelling cichlids?

While it is possible in very large tanks where territories are distinctly separate, it is generally risky. The Compressiceps is a highly efficient fry predator and will decimate the breeding success of shell-dwellers.

Why does my Compressiceps have a steeply sloped head?

The sloped forehead and extremely thin (laterally compressed) body are evolutionary adaptations. They allow the fish to wedge into tight rock fissures to hunt for prey and avoid larger predators.

FreshwaterTropicalIntermediate

Compressiceps Cichlid

Altolamprologus compressiceps

The Compressiceps Cichlid is a fascinating, uniquely shaped predator from Lake Tanganyika, heavily adapted for hunting among narrow rock fissures.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 28 °C
pH range: 8 – 9
Hardness: 10 – 25 dGH
Adult size: 9 – 12 cm
120L for a pair, 250L+ for a community: 120 litres+
Lifespan: 8 – 12 years
Diet: Carnivore
Water flow: low to moderate
Preferred setup: Rocky setup with numerous vertical crevices and caves, sandy substrate.

About the Compressiceps Cichlid

Altolamprologus compressiceps is instantly recognisable by its remarkably laterally compressed body, steeply sloping forehead, and large, upward-facing mouth. This extreme morphology is a highly specialised evolutionary adaptation, allowing the fish to slip effortlessly into narrow rocky crevices to hunt for invertebrates and small fish. They are relatively slow-moving and deliberate in their actions, often seen hovering at an angle as they scrutinise the rockwork for a potential meal.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Compressiceps Cichlid comes from

Native range

Lake Tanganyika

Countries / regions

Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Zambia

Habitat

Rocky littoral zones, specifically among deep vertical fissures and rubble.

Found throughout the lake, leading to numerous geographically isolated colour morphs.

Similar species

Calvus Cichlid
Altolamprologus calvus
Fairy Cichlid
Neolamprologus brichardi
Lemon Cichlid
Neolamprologus leleupi

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Cyprichromis leptosoma
Cyprichromis leptosoma
Occupy the upper water column and are too large to be eaten, providing activity without competing for rock territory.
Great
Julidochromis
Julidochromis spp.
Share similar water parameter requirements and occupy rocky habitats, but ensure the tank is large enough to provide separate territories.
Great
Neolamprologus brichardi
Neolamprologus brichardi
Can be extremely aggressive when breeding, potentially overwhelming the slower-moving Compressiceps in smaller aquariums.
Compatible with caution
Shell-dwelling Cichlids
Neolamprologus multifasciatus
Adults may co-exist in large setups, but the Compressiceps is a specialised fry predator and will heavily predate on shell-dweller offspring.
Compatible with caution
Neon Tetras
Paracheirodon innesi
Incompatible water chemistry requirements, and they are small enough to be viewed as prey.
Not recommended

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