Lepidiolamprologus kendalli
Lepidiolamprologus kendalli was described in 1977 by Poll and Steward. It is named after R.L. Kendall. The genus name Lepidio refers to the iridescent scales.
In 1978 Staeck described Lepidiolamprologus nkambae. Scientists are still not sure whether this should be a local variant or an independent species. There should be some differences in the DNA but perhaps not enough to make them an independent species. In the meantime Lepidiolamprologus nkambae has become a synonym.
Description
What immediately stands out is the elongated torpedo shape. When they are adults, the teeth are also clearly visible. You can’t mistake it: This is a predator!
Males reach a length of about 20 centimeters, and females grow to about 16 to 17 centimeters.
The base color is dark brown with four irregular yellow/white bands on the flanks, from the gill cover to the tail. The head, tail, back, and anal fin show an irregular white/yellow and brown spot pattern. The head gets a blue iridescent color. The difference between males and females is not visible. Only by taking the fish out of the water and studying the genital papilla could you see the difference.
Lepidiolamprologus kendalli are often kept alone and can be quite aggressive towards one another. The lack of a clear distinction between males and females complicates pairing them up. However, once a pair is formed, they become inseparable. If a disagreement occurs, they typically avoid each other for a few days before seeking each other out again. It’s important to remove any conspecifics, as they pose a threat to the pair. In general, these fish do not establish a territory except during breeding; they simply choose a comfortable spot to rest at any given time. Even species that are territorial can allow Lepidiolamprologus kendalli to avoid conflicts.
Biotope
The Lepidiolamprologus nkambae can be found in Lake Tanganyika from Nkamba Bay to Kala, Tanzania. The Lepidiolamprologus kendalli occurs along the southern coast of the lake.
They live at a depth of 0 to 45 meters, always around rocks and muddy bottoms. They are mainly solitary or in pairs.
Diet
In the wild, they are true hunters. They usually wait quietly and then strike with a quick movement. However, they are also known to chase their prey and drive it to the surface. Their prey can jump out of the water, followed by the Lepidiolamprologus kendalli.
In the aquarium, they can be fed large types of live and frozen food. Dry food is also accepted. If you really want to please them, give them a few small (food) fish.
The Aquarium
Lepidiolamprologus kendalli can grow to approximately 20 centimeters in length. As a result, they require a spacious aquarium that is at least 200 centimeters long. While the kendalli is generally a calm fish, it can exhibit quick lunges to catch prey or interact with others of its species, which may lead to chasing them to the surface. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the aquarium has a well-fitting lid. Even the smallest openings must be sealed to prevent fish from escaping outside the aquarium.
The aquarium should be further set up like most Tanganyika aquariums: so with a sand bottom and sufficient rocks. The Lepidiolamprologus kendalli is a real hunter. The rocks can offer protection to prey and the female if you manage to form a pair in the aquarium.
Breeding aquarium and conditioning
Lepidiolamprologus kendalli can be bred in a mixed aquarium. They prefer to lay their eggs in a dark, closed hole. To get the pair to start laying eggs, live or frozen food such as mysis or artemia should be fed. This hunter always needs meaty food.
Once the pair is ready to spawn, they will look for a dark, closed hole. If there is too much space between the rocks, you can help them by placing an earthenware pot in the aquarium. Make a hole in the side that the male can just fit through. The closed pot gives them an extra sense of security, which makes it easier for them to spawn.
The Spawn
Once the Lepidiolamprologus kendalli pair feels at ease, they regularly lay eggs in the burrow. The clutches usually consist of 70 to 150 eggs, but this number can increase to 300 eggs with experienced large pairs. The eggs are, as usual, much smaller than the eggs of mouthbrooders and are olive-colored. The female takes care of the eggs while the male guards the area.
Raising the fry
The eggs hatch after 2 to 5 days. After 7 to 14 days, they can swim freely. They then search for food near the hole. You can start feeding them with fresh artemia or artemia substitute and finely crushed dry food. Supplementary feeding with protein-rich food (such as artemia) accelerates the growth process and the chance of survival.
Once the young have reached a length of about 10 centimeters, they are sexually mature.
Conclusion
This is not the easiest species to breed. They need a large aquarium and are not easy to pair. If you do not plan on breeding this species, it may be a good idea to keep just 1 specimen.
Video
Author
John de Lange
Copyright images
Klaus Steinhaus – www.buntbarsch.ca (original website no longer available)
Ben Lee – Amiidae.com
