Calvus Cichlid (Altolamprologus calvus) is an intermediate-level freshwater fish that needs at least 30 gallons and 75-82°F. A slender Tanganyikan cichlid with a tall back and bold white or black patterning. It lives among rock crevices, hunts small prey and breeds in caves. It needs hard, alkaline water and rock work with many hiding places.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Altolamprologus calvus |
|---|---|
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Origin | Lake Tanganyika, Africa |
| Adult size | 5-6 in |
| Minimum tank | 30 gallons |
| Temperature | 75-82°F |
| pH | 8.0-9.0 |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive toward its own kind, hunts tiny fish |
| Social behavior | Pair or small harem in a larger tank |
| Swim level | Bottom to mid, around rock |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Diet | Carnivore: small frozen foods such as mysis and brine shrimp, small pellets |
| Typical lifespan | 8-10 years |
Quick tips
- Build rock caves and crevices; it hides and ambushes from them.
- Keep water hard and alkaline.
- Do not mix with fry or very small fish.
San Diego water
Naturally suited to San Diego's hard, alkaline tap water once it is dechlorinated (the city uses chloramine, so use a conditioner that handles it). Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
Before you buy
Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi