Six-bar Cichlid

Neolamprologus sexfasciatus

Family : Cichlidae

FishFreshwatercichlid

Neolamprologus sexfasciatus is a large cichlid from Lake Tanganyika, recognizable by its six vertical black bands. It is an imposing and territorial fish, reserved for spacious aquariums.

Six-bar Cichlid — photo 1 sur 1
Guérin Nicolas (messages) · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.01 / 1
Popularity
Biotope specialist
requires biotope recreation
Availability
Specialty only
Shop availability
IUCN Status
LC
Least Concern

Description

This cichlid can reach 15 cm in length, with a robust and tall body. The base color is cream white to pale yellow, with six well-defined vertical black bands. The fins are large, the dorsal is long and pointed. Males are larger than females. It is a very territorial and aggressive fish, especially towards conspecifics. It lives in pairs and defends a large rocky area. Breeding occurs in a cave with parental care. It is less suitable for community tanks.

Habitat

Region :

Lake Tanganyika, deep rocky areas

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature2427 °C
pH7.58.5
GH815 °dGH
KH812 °dKH
NO₃
≤ 20 mg/L
PO₄
≤ 0.5 mg/L

Care

Difficulty
4/5
Diet
Carnivore
Min. tank
150 L
Min. group
2
Adult size
15 cm
Lifespan
8 years
Temperament
très agressif
Propagation
ponte sur substrat, soins parentaux

Care notes

Temperature 24-27°C, pH 7.5-8.5, GH 8-15, KH 8-12. A minimum 150-liter tank for a pair. Carnivorous/omnivorous diet: whole fish, shrimp, worms, pellets. Avoid small fish; possible tankmates: large Tanganyika cichlids (e.g., Cyphotilapia frontosa). Provide large rocks and spacious caves. Regular water changes (20% weekly). Nitrates < 20 mg/L, phosphates < 0.5 mg/L. Watch for aggression, especially during spawning.

Similar species

Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance

References