Cylindricus - Neolamprologus cylindricus

Scientific name: Neolamprologus cylindricus

Common name: Cylindricus

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 11 - 13 cm (4.33 - 5.12 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 8 - 9

Recommended water hardness: 18 - 30°N (321.43 - 535.71ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 24 - 27 °C (75.2 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Short description

Neolamprologus cylindricus is a striking, rock-dwelling lamprologine from Lake Tanganyika. Its elongated “cylindrical” body and bold black-and-white vertical barring make it instantly recognizable. This species is territorial—especially toward conspecifics—and does best as a single pair in a well-structured rocky scape with broken sightlines. Keep tank mates that occupy different niches and avoid mixing multiple males in small tanks.

Origin

Endemic to Lake Tanganyika (Africa), where it inhabits rocky littoral zones with hard, alkaline water and strong oxygenation. It claims cavities and crevices in rock piles and patrols short sections of the reef face.

Food and feeding

A carnivorous micro-predator. Offer a varied diet of high-quality cichlid pellets/granules for carnivores, plus frozen foods such as mysis, krill, brine shrimp, finely chopped prawns, and occasional insect larvae. Feed small portions 1–2× daily; avoid mammalian meats and feeder fish. A little spirulina can be used as a supplement but protein should dominate.

Sexing

External differences are subtle. Adult males typically grow larger with more extended dorsal/anal tips; females are smaller and rounder when ripe. Venting remains the most reliable method.

Breeding

A secretive cave spawner. Provide multiple tight caves/crevices. The female usually tends eggs and early fry inside the cave while the male guards the territory. At ~26 °C, eggs hatch in about 2–3 days; fry are free-swimming after 5–7 days and accept newly hatched brine shrimp and fine powdered foods. Remove other fish or partition the tank during breeding—aggression escalates sharply.

Lifespan

With excellent care, expect 10–12 years.

Behavior & compatibility

Aggressive/territorial toward conspecifics, especially males. Keep as a pair or one male with a carefully selected female. Suitable tank mates (in large, rock-based Tanganyika setups) include Altolamprologus calvus/compressiceps, small Julidochromis spp., shell-dwellers (Neolamprologus multifasciatus/similis) in segregated zones, and midwater dithers like Cyprichromis spp. Avoid similarly shaped/striped lamprologines in tight quarters and any delicate or slow species.

Tank requirements

• Minimum tank: ~200 L for a pair with ≥100 cm length; larger for mixed communities.
• Aquascape: deep sand or fine gravel with substantial rock piles forming tight caves and line-of-sight breaks; open lanes for short dashes.
• Water: hard, alkaline (pH ~8.0–9.0; high carbonate hardness). Prioritize strong aeration/filtration and low nitrate; 30–50% weekly water changes.
• Flow & lighting: moderate flow, bright to moderate light; glare can be softened with strategic rockwork.

Care level

Intermediate. Success hinges on adequate territory, robust filtration, and careful stocking (one pair per rock domain). In the right setup it is a hardy, showy Tanganyikan centerpiece.

Notes on identification

Sometimes confused with other barred lamprologines (e.g., N. buescheri, N. leleupi juveniles, or barred Julidochromis). N. cylindricus shows a distinctly cylindrical profile and bold, evenly spaced vertical bars across the body and head.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.