Six-bar Cichlid
Neolamprologus sexfasciatus
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.
Recommended parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24–27 |
| pH | 7.5–8.5 |
| GH | 8–15 |
| KH | 8–12 |
| NO₃ | ≤ 20 |
| PO₄ | ≤ 0.5 |
Care
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.