Neolamprologus Sexfasciatus

Datasheet

General Description

The Six-Barred Lamprologus, scientifically known as Neolamprologus Sexfasciatus, is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, specifically found in the southern region between Cape Tembwe and Karema. It is a predatory and aggressive fish with several geographical morphs available, displaying variations in coloration from blue to yellow to white. Due to its nature, it is not commonly recommended for general Tanganyikan community tanks.

Aquarium Setup

The Six-Barred Lamprologus thrives in a tank with at least a 110-liter capacity, with a setup featuring piles of rocks forming caves and interspersed open water areas. A sandy substrate is preferred, and efficient filtration is crucial due to their carnivorous diet and resulting waste production. Specific water conditions of 7.5-9.0 pH, 8-25 degrees of hardness, and a temperature range of 23-27 degrees Celsius (73-81 degrees Fahrenheit) should be maintained (see table).

Behaviour

This species is known for its aggressive, territorial, and predatory behavior. While it can coexist with medium-sized Tanganyikan cichlids occupying different tank areas, caution is advised in selecting tankmates. Six-Barred Lamprologus is territorial towards conspecifics and typically should be kept as a solitary pair in all but the largest tanks.

Feeding and Diet

Being piscivorous by nature, the Six-Barred Lamprologus should be offered a diverse diet consisting of meaty live and frozen foods. Supplementing with high-quality cichlid pellets ensures a well-rounded diet essential for their health and vitality.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Reproduction in captivity is infrequent but possible for the Six-Barred Lamprologus. They are bi-parental cave spawners, with pair bonding occurring naturally within a group of young fish over time. When a pair forms, it is crucial to remove other individuals from the tank as they will not be tolerated. Sexual dimorphism is challenging, with adult males typically growing larger than females.

Habitat and Distribution

In their natural habitat, Six-Barred Lamprologus are primarily found in shallow waters of Lake Tanganyika, inhabiting rocky areas and intermediate zones characterized by scattered rocks over sandy bottoms. Their distribution is limited to the southern part of the lake between Cape Tembwe and Karema.