Care Level: Easy
Temperature: 70 to 85F
pH: 7.8 to 8.6

Region:
Lake Tanganyika is one of the African Great Lakes and it is the second largest body of water in the world as well as the second deepest. This lake is home to at least 250 different species of cichlid as well as 75 other species.Lake Tanganyika is home to some of the most unique types of cichlids found around the globe, and includes some of the most expensive freshwater fish.

While Lake Malawi is renown for having some of the most colorful cichlids in the world, Lake Tanganyika has a much greater diversity of cichlid species. African cichlids from Lake Tanganyika sport a high variance in body shape and fascinating behaviors. In fact, the extreme diversity of these cichlids greatly exceeds what is normally found in other families of fishes.

These characteristics have made them some of the most popular fish for enthusiasts seeking uniqueness in the cichlid world. They are also quite active, display complex behaviors, and with the right environment many can be bred in captivity. Popular Tanganyika cichlids include Tropheus Cichlids, Frontosa, Goby Cichlids, Sardine Cichlids, shell-dwellers, featherfins, sand-sifters and more. They are enjoyed not only for their beauty, but for incredible body form and demeanor, offering aquarists a most unique and delightful experience.

Care:
Most Lake Tanganyika cichlids are endemic to the lake, they all have similar requirements in terms of water chemistry and tank conditions. The average water temperature in Lake Tanganyika is about 76°F to 78°F with a water hardness between 10 and 12 dH. The pH range for the lake is generally between 7.5 and 9.3. Like most African cichlids, Lake Tanganyika cichlids prefer a tank with sand substrate decorated with rocks and cave formations. If you are keeping multiple species together, be sure to include plenty of hiding places as well as tall decorations to break up sight lines and to divide the tank into territories.

Food:
Lake Tanganyika cichlids are largely omnivorous so they will feed on a variety of foods including algae, plant matter, insects, and crustaceans in the wild. In the home aquarium these fish should be offered high-quality commercial flakes, pellets, and granules as well as fresh and frozen foods like earthworms, bring shrimp, and blood worms.