Lemon Cichlid
Lemon Cichlid (Neolamprologus leleupi) is a vivid and striking species from Lake Tanganyika — the entire body glows with a uniform, intense orange-yellow to lemon coloration unlike almost any other cichlid. Despite its small size, it has a bold, confident personality and is one of the most popular Tanganyikan cichlids in the hobby.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Cichlid Bio-Gold is the ideal staple — Hikari Micro Pellets as backup. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp or Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms to enhance coloration and encourage breeding. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily.
Lake Tanganyika is one of the world's oldest and most chemically stable lakes — its water is hard, alkaline, and crystal-clear. Replicating these conditions is essential. Use crushed coral or aragonite substrate to maintain alkalinity, provide excellent filtration and water clarity, and perform regular partial water changes. Tanganyikan cichlids are highly sensitive to poor water quality and must never be kept in soft or acidic conditions.
Keep as a pair or small group. The Lemon Cichlid is a cave spawner that forms strong pair bonds. Both parents guard eggs and fry aggressively — one of the most devoted cichlid parents available. Provide caves, crevices, and rocky hideaways. Can be aggressive toward conspecifics and similar-looking species.
Native to the rocky shorelines of Lake Tanganyika where it inhabits crevices and caves among the boulders. The vivid lemon-orange coloration varies slightly between populations. Color intensifies with excellent water quality and a varied diet. One of the gems of the Tanganyikan cichlid hobby — extraordinary color, devoted parental behavior, and manageable size in one fish.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Temperament | Aggressive toward conspecifics — cave pair |
| Typical Adult Size | 4.0 inches (10 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | Pair or 1 male to 2 females |
| Ideal Temp | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 7.8–9.0 |
| Ideal GH | 10–20 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 8–15 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Cichlid Bio-Gold; Hikari Micro Pellets (backup) |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp, Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms |
| Origin | Rocky shorelines, Lake Tanganyika |
| Notes | Uniform vivid lemon-orange coloration. Cave spawner — devoted biparental care. Hard alkaline water essential. Color intensifies with excellent water quality. |
