Five-bar cichlid - Neolamprologus tretocephalus

Scientific name: Neolamprologus tretocephalus

Common name: Five-bar cichlid

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 13 - 15 cm (5.12 - 5.91 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 7.8 - 8.9

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 18 - 30°N (321.43 - 535.71ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 25 °C (71.6 - 77°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/territorial

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Five-bar cichlids are carnivorous, meaty foods should be given to them; they will also accept quality flakes and cichlid pellets.

Origin

Africa; originates from Lake Tanganyika.

Sexing

There are no visible differences; the males will grow slightly larger.

Breeding

Water changes are required to get these to spawn. Upturned plant pots makes an ideal spawning site, or even make some caves with the rock work. The male will make a pit at the bottom of the cave, and when the female is ready, she will enter it. You often will not know that they have spawned until the female leaves the cave with her fry. These can de fed on newly hatched brine shrimp or crushed flake.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Five-bar cichlid is 5-8 years.

Short description

These cichlids are very aggressive, not so much when juvenile but as they mature, Neolamprologus tretocephalus will become very territorial. It has been known for these to kill other fish, keep them in a species tank with plenty of rock work.

Picture

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