Gold Head Compressiceps (Altolamprologus compressiceps “Goldhead”
Available now
The Gold Head Compressiceps is a standout from Lake Tanganyika’s rocky shores. Its tall, compressed body lets it slip into crevices to ambush prey, while the golden blaze across its head gives it a royal presence in any tank. Slow‑growing and deliberate, this species is a true collector’s fish — elegant, rare, and worth the patience.
At Uncle Joe’s Fish Shed, our Gold Heads are curated in small batches, sourced responsibly, and offered only when they meet boutique standards.
Distinctive look: Gold crown, bold striping, compressed body
Unique behavior: Ambush predator, slides into rock cracks
Exclusive stock: Limited runs, premium quality only
Cool, rare, and gone fast — secure your Gold Head before the crown fades.
🌍 Conservation Status: Native to Lake Tanganyika, not formally listed as threatened. Local populations can be impacted by habitat degradation and over‑collection.
Photo Credit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altolamprologus_compressiceps
Species Care
🌡️ Tank Setup
- Temp: 75–82°F
- pH: 7.5–9.0
- Size: 50+ gallons
- Rocky aquascape with caves and sandy substrate
🍽️ Feeding
- Carnivore: small crustaceans, insect larvae, tiny fish
- Accepts frozen/live meaty foods, high‑quality carnivore pellets
- Rotate diet for health and coloration
👥 Behavior & Compatibility
- Semi‑aggressive, territorial around caves
- Works with other Tanganyikan species if space is provided
- Avoid housing with delicate or very small fish
🧪 Care Notes
- Slow growth rate, small spawn sizes
- Weekly water changes (20–30%)
- Stable, hard, alkaline water essential
🐣 Breeding Tips
- Cave spawner: eggs laid in rock crevices
- Males larger, females rounder
- Breeding moderately difficult; patience required
- Fry start on infusoria, then baby brine shrimp
🚚 Fry to Your Tank: Curated from local Florida Fish Breeders at Imperial Tropicals