Although Fishbase, Konings and other reputable sources list this species as Neolamprologus hecqui, most breeders and traders have the more established name Lepidiolamprologus hecqui, which may actually become the official name. This generic name is also used for its close relatives, the species N. meeli and N. boulengeri. Although N. kungweensis is also a closely related species, it is rare to encounter the name Lepidiolamprologus kungweensis.
It is one of the largest of the ‘shell’ cichlids, although it does not reach the parameters of the male N. callipterus, but the body structure clearly speaks for its strength. If this fish bites you while feeding, you will feel it. They have a wide mouth with powerful jaws, so they can grab your finger – which is not the case with its smaller relatives, such as the ‘biting’ L. ocellatus, which will let go immediately after grabbing you. Despite the tendencies described above, these fish are shy once established in the tank. They are not stupid and when you chase them with a net, they hide in a shell or cave. However, the owner can expect them to spend most of their time out of hiding. Conflicts between individuals are common, but the bigger threat is the denial of food to young males, as well as attacks in defense of the young fish. Excess males should therefore be removed from the tank. They are easily recognised by the way they huddle in the upper corners of the tank.
Feeding is uncomplicated. Individuals of Neolamprologus hecqui are primarily carnivorous, but their voraciousness knows no bounds. They will happily eat snails right out of their shells, learn to take food directly from your hand, and uncompromisingly challenge any competition for food. One of the best things about these large shell dwellers is the ability to keep them in the presence of other fish that are aggressive enough to make them feel safe. Neolamprologus hecqui and their relatives can easily be kept with species such as N. leleupi, the larger species of the genus Julidochromis, and other larger fish. If each species is given enough space, they do not threaten each other significantly. A good way to manage the aggressiveness of rock dwellers is to leave at least 15 cm of empty space between rocks and shells so that neither species threatens the edges of the adjacent territory. A rocky reef, which should act as a visual barrier, has the opposite effect and is more likely to be seen by fish as an extension of their territory.
Neolamprologus hecqui is a very colour variable fish. This variability depends on substrate colour, community hierarchy, mood and feeding conditions. A darker substrate results in browning patterns, a light one tends to lighten the fish, so a compromise (a mixture of black and white substrate or a shade of brown) is the most appropriate solution when choosing a substrate. This species has a purple-pearl sheen when properly lit or when a flash is used. If the fish are agitated, frightened, or protective of the young, they “dress” in their “sassy” garb, which is especially true for males. As with other cichlids, the color patterns are just the “icing on the cake” because their behavior is what makes them such a fascinating species.
The species Neolamprologus hecqui is a typical harem fish, although it can also be kept in pairs. Females do not like to divide. Their territorial needs are so extensive that it is best to leave the fish free to make its own arrangements. The female defends the shell directly, but the male provides all the nearby space. The male is very skilful at keeping individuals of other species away from the shell without using any significant force, provided of course that he is understood. These fish are actually quite effective at protecting their territory and can often protect juveniles from being eaten, even by species such as cichlids of the genus Julidochromis.
Distinguishing the sexes is not easy. When the fish are young, there is no real way to tell them apart, except perhaps that males are usually larger than females. As they get older, the size differences become obvious. Males are large and powerful fish. Females are also quite large, but do not have the power and appearance of the males. During adulthood, size is the best distinguishing factor in determining sex, but it is not the only physical difference. Head shape is also important, which can be applied to almost all similar species. Males have massive jaws for their size and a bulge above the nose. The profile of the female’s “face” is straight.
Reproduction is simple. At maturity, they are larger than common snails. Females are about 4 cm long and males up to 8 cm long; breeding begins at 3-4 cm. The brood is more numerous than that of related species, mainly because the female is larger and thus has more eggs. The young fish hatch and emerge from the shell at approximately the same intervals as other snails – one to two days to hatch and five days to leave the shell. Within a few days, they acquire the same camouflage abilities as their parents and blend in beautifully with their environment. They are agile swimmers and the same armadillos as the adults of Neolamprologus hecqui.
The ideal staple of a juvenile fish’s diet is exactly what they would find in the wild: their parents’ food scraps. Feed frequently, in small batches, with good quality tablet food and leave the feeding of the young fish to the parents. Remember that crushed tablets or flakes should only be fed after the first week of life. Other suitable foods for young fish are freshly hatched saltwater gills, or just their dehatched eggs, cyclops or drosophila.
The water should be the same as for any other Tanganyikan species: warm, alkaline, hard and very clear, with good flow. Individuals of Neolamprologus hecqui are good swimmers and appreciate the extra oxygen. As a larger species, they require a lot of space. Provide them with a tank at least 75 cm long, a larger tank is ideal. Height doesn’t matter that much, although it does allow subdominant fish to get higher, so the ideal breeding tank should be long, wide and low to provide plenty of space.
Neolamprologus hecqui is a much less common species than the popular species L. multifasciatus or L. ocellatus and even L. boulengeri and its close relatives. Nevertheless, this fish has a charm of its own and is well worth seeking out.