Mustax - Neolamprologus mustax

Scientific name: Neolamprologus mustax

Common name: Mustax

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 9 - 10 cm (3.54 - 3.94 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 7.8 - 8.9

Recommended water hardness: 8 - 17°N (142.86 - 303.57ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 23 - 26 °C (73.4 - 78.8°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

General Information

Neolamprologus mustax is a rock-dwelling lamprologine endemic to Lake Tanganyika. Adults reach roughly 9–10 cm and claim crevices/caves in piled rock. They require hard, alkaline, highly oxygenated water and complex rockwork. Tolerant of unrelated species in roomy tanks, they are decisively territorial toward conspecifics—especially males.

Food & Feeding

Micro-predatory carnivore. Use a staple of high-quality sinking carnivore pellets/granules and rotate meaty items (finely chopped krill/mysis, brine shrimp, daphnia). Bloodworms only as an occasional treat; avoid mammal/avian meats. Feed small portions 1–2× daily to preserve water quality.

Sexing

Males grow larger, may develop a slight nuchal/cranial hump, and can show subtly longer dorsal/anal rays. Females are fuller-bodied when ripe. Juveniles are difficult to sex.

Breeding

Cave spawner with adhesive eggs on cave ceilings/walls. Provide multiple tight caves (rock stacks, slate, ceramic tubes). After spawning, the female tends eggs/fry at close range while the male defends the territory perimeter. At 23–26 °C eggs hatch in ~3–4 days; fry are free-swimming a few days later and start on infusoria/rotifers, then newly hatched brine shrimp. A single male can maintain a harem (2 females) only in spacious, cave-rich setups.

Lifespan

Commonly 8–12 years in stable, well-maintained aquaria (15 years is possible but optimistic and husbandry-dependent).

Tank Requirements & Water Parameters

• Footprint: prioritize length and rock area; ≥90 cm (36″) for a pair/harem, larger for multiple males.
• Aquascape: fine sand or smooth small gravel with dense, stable rock piles forming caves and sight breaks (they dig).
• Temperature: 23–26 °C (73.4–78.8 °F).
• pH: 7.8–8.9; hardness: 8–17 °dH; strong aeration/filtration.
• Maintenance: weekly water changes (25–35 %) and steady parameters—stability is more important than chasing exact numbers.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Works with other rock-dwelling Tanganyikans of similar size/temperament (e.g., selected Julidochromis, Altolamprologus) and pelagic species that use different niches (e.g., Cyprichromis). Avoid similarly shaped close congeners in cramped tanks and very small shell-dwellers unless territory is clearly partitioned. Keep one male with 1–2 females or in carefully managed colonies with many caves.

Behaviour & Usual Place in the Tank

Territorial around cave entrances; activity centers in the lower to mid levels among rocks (not open upper water). Provide multiple caves per fish to spread aggression.

Short Description

Neolamprologus mustax is a compact, assertive Tanganyikan cave-spawner. Give it hard, alkaline, well-oxygenated water, abundant rock caves, measured feeding, and carefully chosen tank mates for engaging displays and reliable breeding behavior.