Black Calvus Cichlid
Altolamprologus calvus
 
Overview
The Black Calvus Cichlid is a distinctive Lake Tanganyika species known for its tall, laterally compressed body and dark black to charcoal coloration. Its narrow body allows it to slip into rock crevices where it hunts for small crustaceans and fry. Although a predator, it is generally calm and slow-moving compared to many other cichlids, making it suitable for Tanganyikan community aquariums with rocky environments.
Highly prized by cichlid enthusiasts, the Black Calvus grows slowly but develops impressive finnage and striking patterns as it matures.
 
Care Sheet
Size
• 12–15 cm
Temperament
• Semi-aggressive
• Calm but predatory toward very small fish
• Best kept singly, as a pair, or with other Lake Tanganyika species
Minimum Tank Size
• 150–200 L+
Water Parameters
• Temperature: 24–27°C
• pH: 7.8–9.0
• Hardness: Medium to hard
Diet
• High-quality cichlid pellets
• Frozen foods (mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, bloodworms)
• Occasional live foods
Tank Setup
• Rocky aquascape with caves and crevices
• Sand or fine gravel substrate
• Moderate water flow
• Strong filtration and good oxygenation
Behaviour Notes
• Slow-moving ambush predator
• Can be shy initially but becomes confident over time
• Compatible with other Tanganyikan cichlids of similar size
Breeding
• Cave spawner
• Eggs laid deep within rock crevices
• Female guards eggs while male defends territory
• Fry emerge after several days and stay close to shelter