Origin: The ancestors of these Buescheri lived in Lake Tanganyika. But now they're spawned and raised on fish farms, and they live in aquariums all over the world. 

Maximum Size: In aquariums, they can grow to be about 2.75" long, including their tails, which is a nice size for aquariums with at least 30-gallons of water.

Behaviors: Buescheri are usually very aggressive and can be even more aggressive when getting ready to lay eggs and then protect their babies.

Compatibility: Some recommended tank mates include other smallish Tanganyika Cichlids but not Cichlids from Lake Malawi or Lake Victoria. Buescheri are often kept with smallish Synodontis Catfish, but Synodontis will eat baby fish. Click here for more about Synodontis Catfish. Click here to read more about compatible groups of pet fish.

Temperature: Buescheri live best from about 75 to 80-degrees F. with 78 being perhaps ideal. Click here to learn about aquarium temperature, aquarium thermometers, and aquarium heaters.

Feeding: Premium Fish Food Pellets is a good food for these small Cichlids to eat. It's best to feed them small pellets. In their natural habitat Buescheri eat small crustaceans and invertebrates, and Buescheri seems to be a picky eater that may require small live or frozen food. Click here to learn more about and shop online for premium fish foods.

Water Conditions: These fish need water with a pH of at least 7.5. So it's best to measure the pH, and add LakeTanganyika salts if the pH is too low. Click here for a lot more information about aquarium water conditions.

Aquarium Size: Buescheri need to live in an aquarium with at least 30-gallons of water. Each Cichlid will need at least 3-gallons of water.

Decor: Buescheri do not need gravel, and a layer of gravel more than 1/4" thick will usually fill with bits of uneaten food that will contaminate the water. Click here for more about aquarium gravel.

Live plants are beautiful and improve the water quality, but most aquariums with Buescheri do not have live plants.

Aquarium Filter: Bio-Wheel Filters are highly recommended. Most 20-gallon aquariums need a Penguin 200B Filter, and this is sort of the minimum set up for Buescheri. Click here to learn more about aquarium filters.

The addition of Lava Rocks will keep nitrates in the ideal range. Click here to learn more about using Lava Rocks in aquariums.

Life Span: Buescheri can live for several years. Keep the water conditions excellent and feed them premium foods, and they'll most likely breed and produce the next generation of fish for your aquarium.

Gender: It's usually very difficult to distinguish males from females.

Breeding: Buescheri lay eggs in a cave and carefully protect their eggs and then their babies. Click here for a lot more about breeding various tropical fish in aquariums.

Popularity: These Cichlids are rare and have not yet had a chance to become popular aquarium fish.

Names: The scientific name for the Buescheri is Neolamprologus Buescheri.

Variations: This species occurs a wide region of Lake Tanganyika and there are several variations and hybrids with other Neolamprologus species. This variation from Gombe is perhaps the nicest variation.

Click here for a lot more information about keeping and caring for Cichlids, including a picture gallery.

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