newly acquired Lamprologus Caudopunctatus

[jeeplassie]

I recently acquired a Lamprologus Caudopunctatus. It is a cute little thing, but I have no idea what to do with it. I have a 6g tank with many snails and a chinese algae eater.
I understand my tank is probably too small, so I will have to upgrade to a bigger tank, but I saved this little guy from a "goldfish" bowl. I have no idea if it is female or male, as it seems to be young. It is only about an inch.
So my question is, is the 6g I have now good until I am able to get another tank in 2 months? and Is it ok with the snails and chinese algae eater? Mt tank is a mix of small gravel and sand, and I do have a few live plants and several pieces of driftwood. There is enough that it makes a cave like area and that is where it is hiding now. I keep the tank around 80 degrees and the water is actually well water, so a bit on the hard side but I am not sure the exact measurements. I have a light with a small bio wheel, and I keep the light on most of the day, and turn off at night.
Should I get another one after I get the bigger tank? And what size tank should I get if I keep just the one? I imagine they are not schooling or shoaling fish, so keeping one would be ok?
I have researched some online but most information I can find is for a breeding pair. Any information you can give me would be awesome. Thanks!

[Pam Chin]

Hi Jeeplassie,

Nice, Caudo's are fun to work with. Your water is probably fine since it is from a well, they do prefer a higher pH and hard water. Watch your temperature, as these fish do better around 76 - 78 degrees. They like to eat plankton, mysis, krill, I think the freeze dried type is the best for them, along with a good cichlid staple flake or pellet should keep them happy. If you get a bigger tank you probably want to get 4 - 6 more as they do not get too large. However they do fine as a single fish too, they are a cave brooder and so this is why he is hanging out in the cave, he feels more secure there. I would suggest getting rid of the Chinese Algae eater they are really nasty fish, and will grow quickly and be able to beat up your Caudo. Then consider getting some small zebra danios, like 3 or 5. They will help your Caudo feel more secure and hopefully he will come out more.

They don't get too large, and they don't grow too fast, so you have plenty of time to make up your mind, as to whether keeping this fish as is, or getting a larger tank and try to work with a group.

Cichlid Power!
Pam