Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Lemon Cichlid

Neolamprologus leleupi (Poll, 1956)

Also called Leleupi, Lemon Leleupi

SpeciesShort profile

From Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, mainly reported from the south, where it lives in cracks and crevices of rocky shores.1 2 3

At a glance the quick version

Length10 cm1 2 3

Sizesmall

Brilliant yellow colour

Compact size

Interesting cave-dwelling habits

2 3

Looks how to spot one

Slender, elongated lamprologine cichlid

A small, slim cichlid that is often a vivid lemon yellow, though some fish are brown or dark. Males usually end up a little bigger than females.2 3

Coloursbright yellow to orangedeep brown (melas form)rare silvery form2 3

Personality what they are like

Fairly calm most of the time but protective and territorial when breeding, and not tolerant of others of its own kind; a single pair works best.2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Spends much of its time poking around rock crevices and cracks.1 3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Sensitive to poor water quality, so keep the tank mature, clean and stable.2

Home where they are happiest

At least 75 to 80 cm tank for one pair, with plenty of rockwork and caves. Temperature 23 to 27 C, pH 7.5 to 9.0, hardness 8 to 25 dGH.2 1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Picks invertebrates from the film on rocks and from crevices. Offer mostly live and frozen foods with some quality dry food and spirulina.1 2

Company who they like around

Keep as a single pair; young fish raised together pair up more reliably than adults put together. Fits with Tanganyikans that use other areas of the tank.2

The story where it all began

Described by Max Poll in 1956 and named after Narcisse Leleup, a Belgian entomologist who collected the type specimen. Its bright colour has kept it popular in Tanganyika aquariums.3 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Yellow and dark brown fish can live in the same population; dark fish still carry the yellow pigment underneath.2
2
The species is named after Belgian entomologist Narcisse Leleup.3
3
Both parents care for the eggs in a cave, and a female may lay up to about 150 eggs.2
4
It is easy to confuse with its close relative Neolamprologus longior.3

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 19 February 2025)1
Taxonomy: Described by Poll in 19561

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Lemon Cichlid. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
Water testevery week
Glass cleanevery week
Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Lemon Cichlid?

Feed your Lemon Cichlid small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed daily, but you can split that into two tiny meals. Always check the food label and ask your vet for exact amounts.2 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Lemon Cichlid eat, and what should it never eat?

Your Lemon Cichlid loves live and frozen foods like invertebrates, plus some quality dry food and spirulina. Avoid any food that is not suitable for cichlids, and never feed it anything that could foul the water quickly. For a full list of unsafe foods, ask your vet or a good breeder.2 1

How much space does a Lemon Cichlid need?

A single pair needs a tank at least 75 to 80 cm long, with plenty of rockwork and caves. This gives them room to explore and feel secure. For more than one pair, you would need a larger tank, so check with a good breeder.2 1

What temperature, light or water does a Lemon Cichlid need?

Keep the water temperature between 23 and 27°C, with a pH of 7.5 to 9.0 and hardness of 8 to 25 dGH. Normal aquarium lighting is fine, but provide plenty of rock crevices for hiding. Furry Diary's plan includes a daily temperature check and weekly water tests.2 1 Pet Wiki plan

How often should I clean a Lemon Cichlid's home?

Change about 25% of the water every week, and clean the glass at the same time. Rinse the filter in old tank water (never tap water) once a month. This keeps the water stable, which your Lemon Cichlid needs.2 Pet Wiki plan

Can a Lemon Cichlid live with others?

Yes, but keep it as a single pair, and choose tankmates like Tanganyikans that use different areas of the tank. Young fish raised together pair up more reliably than adults put together. Avoid other Lemon Cichlids of the same kind, as they can be territorial.2

How long does a Lemon Cichlid live?

Lifespan varies depending on care, but with a stable, clean tank and good diet, they can live for several years. For a more specific estimate, ask your vet or a good breeder.

Can I handle a Lemon Cichlid?

It is best not to handle your Lemon Cichlid, as it can stress the fish and damage its delicate slime coat. Enjoy watching it explore rock crevices instead. If you must move it, use a soft net and be very gentle.1 3

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Brichardi Cichlid

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

FishBase: Neolamprologus leleupi fishbase.seused for size, water, diet, IUCN, describer
Seriously Fish: Neolamprologus leleupi seriouslyfish.comused for care, tank, behaviour, colour forms, breeding
Wikipedia: Neolamprologus leleupi en.wikipedia.orgused for habitat, etymology, colour forms

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.