Similar cichlid

Neolamprologus similis

Family : Cichlidae

FishFreshwatercichlid

The Similar cichlid is a dwarf cichlid very close to the Multiband cichlid, with finer bands. It also lives in snail shells.

Similar cichlid — photo 1 sur 3
Melanochromis · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain1 / 3
Popularity
Biotope specialist
requires biotope recreation
Availability
Specialty only
Shop availability
IUCN Status
LC
Least Concern
Biotope
Lake Tanganyika
Lac africain, eau dure, cichlidés Tropheus, Cyprichromis.

Description

This small cichlid measures 5-6 cm and closely resembles Neolamprologus multifasciatus, but its vertical bands are narrower and more numerous. The base color is light beige with silvery reflections. It lives in colonies in the sandy areas of Lake Tanganyika, using snail shells as shelter. Its behavior is similar: territorial but forming hierarchical groups. It feeds on micro-invertebrates and plankton. Breeding occurs inside shells, with parental care.

Habitat

Region :

Sandy areas with empty snail shells

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature2426 °C
pH7.89
GH1020 °dGH
KH1020 °dKH
NO₃
≤ 20 mg/L
PO₄
≤ 0.5 mg/L

Care

Difficulty
2/5
Diet
Omnivore
Min. tank
60 L
Min. group
4
Adult size
6 cm
Lifespan
5 years
Temperament
Peaceful
Propagation
shell spawner

Care notes

Water parameters: temperature 24-26°C, pH 7.8-9.0, GH 10-20, KH 10-20. A gentle filtration is recommended. Omnivorous diet: micro-pellets, brine shrimp, daphnia, and finely chopped vegetables. A tank of at least 60 liters for a colony of 4-6 individuals. The substrate should be sandy with empty snail shells. It is a peaceful species that can coexist with other small peaceful Tanganyikan cichlids. Avoid very large fish. Breeding is easy if shells are present. Fry stay near the shells and are protected by the parents.

Similar species

Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance

References