CICHLID – CAUDOPUNCTATUS RED FIN
Neolamprologus caudopunctatus
$9.99
Red Fin Caudopunctatus are endemic to the rocky coastal waters of Lake Tanganyika in Africa. A popular fish for beginner cichlid hobbyists, Caudopunctatus are not overly aggressive and are relatively easy to keep. They thrive best in an active community aquarium or a cichlid aquarium with like-species; avoid large or aggressive species. Caudopunctatus have silvery-tan bodies that will shimmer in the light, and an orange dorsal fin in which they get their name. Caudopunctatus are best kept in groups given their social nature. This species is very slow growing, and will take some time to reach sexual maturity to spawn. Spawning of this species is somewhat difficult, as they are a true substrate spawner rather than one that utilizes shells; shells can be an accessory spawning location, however. An adult Caudopunctatus will grow to approximately 3″.
Out of stock
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Live Plant Safe: With Caution
General Description: Red Fin Caudopunctatus are endemic to the rocky coastal waters of Lake Tanganyika in Africa. A popular fish for beginner cichlid hobbyists, Caudopunctatus are not overly aggressive and are relatively easy to keep. They thrive best in an active community aquarium or a cichlid aquarium with like-species; avoid large or aggressive species. Caudopunctatus have silvery-tan bodies that will shimmer in the light, and an orange dorsal fin in which they get their name. Caudopunctatus are best kept in groups given their social nature. This species is very slow growing, and will take some time to reach sexual maturity to spawn. Spawning of this species is somewhat difficult, as they are a true substrate spawner rather than one that utilizes shells; shells can be an accessory spawning location, however. An adult Caudopunctatus will grow to approximately 3″.
Diet Requirements: A diet made up of various high quality protein and vegetable based foods are ideal. Such options include frozen brine shrimp, calanus and blood worms, and foods containing Spirulina algae are a plus. Caudopunctatus will accept sinking pellet foods and flake foods as a staple, but these should not make up the majority of their diet. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.
Care Requirements: An established minimum 30 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small group of Caudopunctatus. Biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters ideal (Nitrates < 30 ppm). The aquarium should have a finer substrate, driftwood and rocks for this cichlid to feel at home. Include shells as they could be potential refuges for spawning. African cichlid specific substrates, or even marine Aragonite substrate, are great choices because they will buffer the pH and alkalinity to levels characteristic of Lake Tanganyika that is needed for this species to thrive and spawn, if desired. Common tank mates for Caudopunctatus include Altolamprologus, Julidochromis, Neolamprologus, and other dwarf African cichlids from Malawi [note potential different water chemistry preferences, however; namely pH]. Recommended water conditions, 72-82° F, KH 10-20, pH 7.5-9.0.
Purchase Size: Medium: 1” to 1-1/4”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
Dry goods orders are shipped via US Postal Service or UPS to the address provided at checkout based on the selection made in your website shopping cart. Product is carefully packed to help prevent any damage during shipping. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number, and delivery notification. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
Perishable items (i.e. live plants, refrigerated/frozen foods) are shipped via US Postal Service 2-3 day to the address provided at checkout for a $25.00 flat rate charge. Items are packed with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more perishable items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $25.00 perishable shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
Livestock (i.e. fish, invertebrates, coral) are shipped via UPS Overnight to the address provided at checkout for a $55.00 flat rate charge. Livestock is packed in insulated styrofoam boxes with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more livestock items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $55.00 livestock shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Livestock is shipped Monday through Wednesday ONLY (no weekend delivery is available) weather permitting, and we reserve the right to delay shipping until conditions are appropriate for safe arrival. Once your order is placed we will contact you to arrange the best shipping date based on these criteria. Someone must be available to receive the livestock order on the first delivery attempt. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
For mixed dry goods/perishable & livestock orders items will be shipped via their corresponding shipping methods outlined above. Dry goods will be shipped via US Postal Service or UPS based on your selection and checkout, while livestock will ship via UPS Overnight for a $55.00 flat rate charge. You will receive separate notifications and tracking numbers for the dry goods and livestock. Please note due to different carriers and shipping methods dry goods and livestock may arrive on different days.