Telmatochromis vittatus are a torpedo-shaped shell-dwelling cichlid from Lake Tanganyika. They have tan-colored bodies with a brown stripe extending from the nose, through the eye, and continuing horizontally to the caudal fin. Their round faces and large eyes make for a peaceful looking fish when you spot them peering out from inside of their shells.
A territorial but shy species. It can be maintained successfully with other small to medium-sized Tanganyikan cichlids that occupy different areas of the tank such as Neolamprologus shelldwellers and Cyprichromis species. It should be kept as a pair as it is aggressive towards conspecifics. A suitably large aquarium is required if several are to be kept.
They can be kept with other Tanganyikan cichlids, such as Julidochromis, Neolamprologus, and Lamprologus. Provide them with caves and shells to occupy and protect for maximum success.
Scientific Name: Telmatochromis vittatus
Common Name:
Max Size: 4"
pH: 7.5-8.6
Hardness: Hard
Temperature: 70-82°
Aggressiveness: Semi-Aggressive
Region of Origin: Lake Tanganyika, Africa
