Five-bar cichlid - Neolamprologus tretocephalus

Scientific name: Neolamprologus tretocephalus

Common name: Five-bar cichlid

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 13 - 15 cm (5.12 - 5.91 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 7.8 - 8.9

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

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 22 - 25 °C (71.6 - 77°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: aggressive/territorial

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Short description

The Five-bar cichlid (Neolamprologus tretocephalus) is a striking, high-contrast Tanganyikan species with bold dark bars and a robust, blocky head. While juveniles can seem tolerant, adults are highly territorial and aggressive, especially toward similar-shaped rock-dwelling cichlids. Best kept as a bonded pair or carefully selected group in a rock-structured Rift Lake aquarium with hard, alkaline water.

Origin

Endemic to Lake Tanganyika (Africa), typically along rocky shores and boulder fields where it patrols crevices and cave entrances.

Food and feeding

Primarily a carnivore/invertivore. Provide a staple of quality cichlid pellets/granules and add regular portions of frozen/live foods (e.g., mysis, krill, chopped shrimp, brine shrimp). Avoid a heavy, starchy or plant-only diet; moderate variety supports condition and coloration. Feed small portions 1–2× daily to maintain water quality.

Sexing

External dimorphism is subtle. Males usually attain a slightly larger size and may show a broader head and more extended fins; females remain smaller and rounder when ripe. Reliable sexing often depends on behavior around territories/caves.

Breeding

A cave-spawning substrate spawner. Offer snug caves formed by rockwork or ceramic pots placed on their sides. Pairs clean a surface and the female deposits eggs inside while the male guards the territory. Hatching occurs in a few days; fry are guarded in and around the cave. Start with newly hatched brine shrimp and finely powdered foods. Stable, very clean water and frequent small water changes help trigger and support spawning.

Lifespan

Typically 5–8 years with excellent husbandry.

Behavior & compatibility

Adults are assertive to aggressive and will defend territory vigorously. Keep as a pair or in a carefully planned Tanganyika community with equally robust tankmates occupying different niches (e.g., midwater Cyprichromis, or sturdier Altolamprologus). Avoid delicate species, similarly shaped rock-dwellers of comparable size, and very small fish that may be harassed.

Tank requirements

• Tank size: ~200 L (55 gal) minimum for a pair; larger for communities.
• Rockwork: stacks of stones forming multiple caves and broken sightlines; open sand/gravel lanes for movement.
• Water: hard, alkaline water (pH 7.8–8.9, GH high as above), temperature 22–25 °C (slightly warmer is also tolerated if stable).
• Filtration: strong bio-mechanical filtration; low nitrate via regular, moderate water changes.
• Lighting/flow: moderate lighting; moderate flow to keep detritus from settling in caves.

Care notes

Provide more caves than fish to diffuse aggression. Rearrange rockwork if necessary to reset territories. Mixing with close relatives that share body shape and niche increases conflict; plan stocking accordingly.

Picture

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