Description

Altolamprologus calvus ‘Black’

A Comprehensive Guide:

Altolamprologus calvus ‘Black’, commonly known as the Black Calvus, is a truly elegant and distinctive cichlid originating from the rocky shores of Lake Tanganyika in Africa. Unlike many of their more boisterous cichlid relatives, the Black Calvus is a peaceful and deliberate hunter with a unique body shape. This species is prized for its compressed, wedge-shaped body, which allows it to expertly navigate through narrow rock crevices, and its striking deep black coloration with pearlescent spots.

Key Characteristics

• Appearance: The Black Calvus possesses a flat, high body profile. The ‘Black’ variant has a deep, velvety black body adorned with rows of brilliant, pearlescent white or blue spots. Its mouth is small, specifically evolved for picking small invertebrates from cracks in the rocks.
• Temperament: This fish is a predator, but it is not aggressive. It is a slow, methodical hunter of invertebrates and small fish. They are very peaceful towards most other species and are known for their calm demeanour. They are a good candidate for a community tank with other Tanganyikan cichlids of a similar temperament.
• Size: They are a slow-growing species, reaching a maximum size of around 15 cm (6 inches) in adulthood.

Aquarium Requirements

A proper aquarium setup is crucial for the health and happiness of the Black Calvus.

• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 110 litres (30 gallons) is recommended for a pair or small group. A larger tank is always better, especially if you plan on keeping them in a community setting.
• Water Parameters: They require very stable, alkaline, and hard water conditions to thrive.
  • Temperature: 25∘C to 28∘C (77∘F to 82∘F)
  • pH: Maintain a high pH between $8.0$ and $9.0$.
  • Hardness: They need hard water, with a dH (degrees of hardness) of $10$ to $20$.
• Tank Setup: The Black Calvus loves a rocky habitat. The aquarium should be filled with plenty of rock formations, caves, and crevices that extend from the bottom to the top of the tank. This provides them with the vertical territory they prefer and mimics their natural environment. A sandy substrate is ideal, as it is easy to maintain and won’t harm their sensitive mouths.

Diet and Feeding

• Diet: In the wild, they are micro-predators, feeding on small crustaceans and invertebrates found in the rockwork. In the aquarium, they will readily accept a variety of meaty foods.
• Feeding: Their diet should consist of a high-quality, sinking cichlid pellet, supplemented with frozen foods like brine shrimp, mysis shrimp. It’s important to provide a varied diet to ensure they get all the necessary nutrients for vibrant colour and health. Avoid overfeeding, as this can quickly pollute the water.

Breeding and Compatibility

• Breeding: Breeding can be challenging. They are cave spawners, with the female laying eggs in a deep, secluded cave or crevice. Both parents will guard the fry. It can be difficult to tell the sexes apart, so buying a group of juveniles and letting a pair form naturally is often the best approach.
• Tank Mates: The Black Calvus is an excellent community fish. Good tank mates include other peaceful Tanganyikan cichlids like Neolamprologus brichardi (Fairy Cichlids), Julidochromis, and open-water species like Cyprichromis. Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species.