Altolamprologus compressiceps (Altolamprologus compressice)

The body, as the name suggests, is compressed to slip into the faults. The mouth is truncated because it is a predator.

Altolamprologus compressive fish is a freshwater fish native to the Tanganyika region in Africa. It is a cichlid fish belonging to the Cichlidae family. It is often called "compressice" or "calvus" because of its characteristic form.

The compressice has an elongated body and compressed laterally, which gives it a flat and flattened appearance. Its color varies from gray to dark brown, with darker spots spread over the whole body. The fins are gray with dark brown and are bordered with black.

The compressive measures on average between 8 and 12 cm long, but some specimens can reach up to 15 cm. It is a very peaceful and sociable fish, which can live in groups of several individuals in a community aquarium.

The compressice is an omnivorous fish that feeds on small crustaceans, molluscs, worms and insects in its natural habitat. In an aquarium, it can be nourished with fish pellets, frozen foods and living people such as artemias and daphnia.

Compressice is a fairly easy fish to raise in aquarium, provided you provide adequate habitat. He needs an aquarium of at least 100 liters, with a sandy substrate, plants and rocks to offer him hiding places and rest areas. It is important to maintain fresh and slightly acidic water, with a temperature of 24 to 28 degrees Celsius.

The compressice is a very territorial and protective fish of its space.

The male is larger and more stocky.

Reproduction, in the natural environment, takes place in faults but in aquarium, it is satisfied with large snail shells of tropical seas. The female obstructs the entry of her body during the incubation which lasts from 9 to 15 days depending on the temperature.