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A population of Neolamprologus caudopunctatus (Poll, 1978) is found along the Zambian shores of Lake Tanganyika near Cape Chitika and Nkamba Bay. This biotope consists mainly of sand-covered floor with rocky outcrops and water depths that can range from 6 feet to more than 50 feet. The water here is hard and alkaline (hardness 11 to 17 degrees, pH 7.8 to 8.8) with a surface water temperature from 75° to 84°F (24° to 29°C). Here, during the day, shoals of N. caudopunctatus can be found hovering about 3 feet from the lake floor feeding on zooplankton.
N. caudopunctatus are cream-colored, torpedo-shaped fish. Males can eventually grow to 3 inches, while the females stay at 2½ inches. The caudal fin of these fish has pearl-colored spots that reflect light, giving rise to its Latin name “caudopunctatus.” The dorsal and anal fins are yellow, while the pelvic fins show a lot of white, particularly near the tips. Their blue-rimmed eyes nicely round off a good-looking fish. The male is only distinguishable from the female because he is slightly larger and has slightly longer pelvic fins.