Neolamprologus helianthus

Scientific name: Neolamprologus helianthus

Common name: N/A

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 5 - 6 cm (1.97 - 2.36 inch)

014

Recommended pH range for the species: 7 - 8

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 7 - 25°N (125 - 446.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 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: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

In the wild Neolamprologus helianthus are algae grazers so their diet should reflect this. For the staple diet, supply them with spirulina flake, cichlid pellets and algae based flakes. They will also require treats of brine shrimp at least twice a week.

Origin

Africa; Neolamprologus helianthus are found in Lake Tanganyika.

Sexing

Males will grow larger than the females; there are no other visible differences.

Breeding

Place the breeding pair in a tank with shells and small caves to act as spawning sites. Add some rocks in a small pile and use a sand substrate. The female will start to hide in the rock pile or cave, whichever she prefers and will spawn out of sight of all everyone. She will hide the fry for quite a while as they develop, to keep them fed, squirt some newly hatched brine shrimp into the spawning site.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Neolamprologus helianthus is 5-8 years.

Short description

This species of fish is aggressive; only keep it with other species that can handle them selves. Add rock work to the tank and use sand as a substrate, the water needs to be medium to high hardness.

Picture

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