Neolamprologus bifasciatus

Scientific name: Neolamprologus bifasciatus

Common name: N/A

Family: Cichlidae

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

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Recommended pH range: 7.5 - 9

Recommended water hardness: 10 - 23°N (178.57 - 410.71ppm)

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: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

General Information

Neolamprologus bifasciatus is a lamprologine cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. In nature it occurs deep—typically 30–45 m—at the bottom edge of rocky slopes where rock meets sand/mud, and is often recorded as solitary outside the breeding context. Adult size is about 10 cm TL. These habitat and size data strongly influence aquarium care (cooler, well-oxygenated water; ample rockwork with open sand margins).

Food & Feeding

In the wild, deep-reef lamprologines forage among rocks and adjacent sand for small invertebrates and occasional fish eggs/larvae. In aquaria offer a varied, protein-rich sinking diet: quality cichlid sticks or micro-pellets, plus frozen/live foods (mysis, brine shrimp, finely chopped krill, bloodworms). Feed modest portions 1–2× daily; avoid fatty mammal/avian meats.

Sexing

External dimorphism is subtle. Mature females are typically fuller-bodied when gravid; males may carry slightly more extended fins. As with many Tanganyikans, reliable sexing usually requires observation of behavior in pairs or groups.

Breeding

Wild observations (deep video surveys) report cooperative breeding: a dominant pair attended by 1–6 subordinates (“helpers”) at nest sites on the deep rocky reef. This indicates biparental care supplemented by helpers rather than shell-only spawning. Home-aquarium spawnings are rare and challenging due to depth-like requirements (cool, highly oxygenated, low-light conditions). If attempting, provide complex rock caves at the sand/rock interface, excellent filtration/oxygenation, and condition adults on rich frozen/live foods.

Lifespan

With stable, clean water and appropriate diet, expect roughly 6–10 years—comparable to other medium lamprologines.

Tank Requirements & Water Parameters

• Footprint: prioritize floor space and rock structure with adjacent sandy areas; 90–120 cm (36–48″) tanks are practical for a pair/group.
• Water: pH 7.5–9.0, hardness ~10–23 °dH, temperature 24–27 °C (cooler end is appropriate for deep-water forms); strong aeration and flow.
• Layout: stacked rocks forming narrow crevices and caves plus open sand; moderate current; high dissolved oxygen; subdued lighting.
• Maintenance: keep nitrogenous waste very low; schedule small, regular water changes to maintain high O₂ and stable chemistry.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Territorial around nests/cover (especially in pairs), otherwise moderate toward similarly robust Tanganyikans. Combine with non-hyper-aggressive rock/sand dwellers of similar size that won’t outcompete at feeding. Avoid tiny fish or delicate species. Keep singly, as a pair, or as a carefully managed group with line-of-sight breaks.

Behaviour & Usual Place in the Tank

Lower to mid levels: cruises rock faces and the rock–sand boundary; frequently inspects crevices with a head-down posture while foraging. Provide both shelter and open patrol lanes. Field records confirm its deep, demersal/bentho-pelagic orientation.

Short Description

Neolamprologus bifasciatus is a medium Tanganyikan cichlid from deep rocky slopes where rock meets sand. Keep cool, clean, well-oxygenated water and complex rockwork; feed varied sinking foods. Territorial at breeding time; otherwise a measured, deliberate forager.

Q&A

• Lake region & depth? Endemic to Lake Tanganyika; most records 30–45 m at the rocky–sand edge.
• Shell or cave spawner? Wild nests with helpers have been filmed on deep reefs; best described as cooperative, cave/crevice-site substrate spawning rather than obligate shell-spawning.
• How big? Around 10 cm TL maximum; plan tank size and mates accordingly.
• Water chemistry? Alkaline, hard water typical of Tanganyika: about pH 7.5–9, 10–23 °dH.

Picture

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