Calvus Cichlid

Altolamprologus calvus

Calvus Cichlid is a peaceful all-zone swimmer.

PeacefulAll-zone swimmerIntermediate – Advanced

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with Calvus Cichlid?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 5.4" (≤ 13.8 cm)
Aquarium size: 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 35.8" (≥ 91 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: All-zone swimmer
Temperature: 75–81°F (24–27°C)
pH: 7.5–9
GH: 8–20 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 10 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 10 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 35.8" (≥ 91 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–27 °C, pH 7.5–9, GH 8–20 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Calvus Cichlid is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses multiple areas of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Calvus Cichlid should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Feed varied meaty live and frozen foods; dried diets may be rejected. Avoid rapid, intimidating competitors.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 35.8" (≥ 91 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Blue Neon Cichlid Paracyprichromis nigripinnis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) African Glass Catfish Pareutropius debauwi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Ajamaru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia ajamaruensis Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.8" (≤ 9.7 cm) 81–86°F (27–30°C) Allpahuayo Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma allpahuayo Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Altifron Eartheater Geophagus altifrons Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 8.9" (≤ 22.5 cm) 79–90°F (26–32°C)

FAQ

How large does Calvus Cichlid get?

Calvus Cichlid reaches ≤ 5.4" (≤ 13.8 cm).

What aquarium size does Calvus Cichlid need?

Use an aquarium of at least 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 35.8" (≥ 91 cm) minimum length.

Is Calvus Cichlid peaceful?

Yes. Calvus Cichlid is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Calvus Cichlid?

Keep it between 24 to 27 °C.