Description

Neolamprologus cylindricus Overview:

• Common Name: Cylindricus Cichlid
• Synonym: Lamprologus cylindricus
• Natural Habitat: Shallow, rocky habitats in the southeastern section of Lake Tanganyika, Africa.
• Maximum Size: 12 cm (4.1 inches).
• Diet: Flakes, green flakes, slow-sinking pellets, frozen foods (e.g., brine shrimp, Mysis shrimp, mosquito larvae).

Care Requirements:

• Temperature: 24–26°C (75–79°F).
• Water Parameters: Hard, alkaline water essential; pH 8.0–9.0, dH 15–25.
• Tank Size: Minimum 4-foot-long aquarium.
• Compatibility: Best suited to a Tanganyikan cichlid community tank with similarly sized and tempered species. Avoid housing with small shell-dwellers or similar species like Neolamprologus leleupi.

Tank Setup:

• Substrate: Coral sand or aragonite to maintain hardness and pH.
• Decor: Rocks to create caves and crevices; these fish thrive in such setups and may orient sideways or upside-down along the rockwork.
• Plants: Hardy plants like Anubias or Vallisneria spp., which tolerate hard, alkaline water.

Behavior:

• Moderately aggressive; adults are solitary. Juveniles can be kept in groups of 8+, but pairs that form may become territorial during breeding.
• Best kept in a well-filtered tank with excellent water movement and oxygenation.

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Breeding:

• Type: Cave spawners.
• Reproduction: Female selects or excavates a cave, lays 30–100 eggs, fertilized by the male.
• Egg Care: Female guards eggs, male patrols the perimeter. Eggs hatch in 4–5 days, fry free-swimming in 10–14 days.
• Feeding Fry: Start with brine shrimp nauplii and powdered food.
• Post-Breeding: Parents may need to be moved after fry reach 2.5 cm (1 inch) to prevent aggression.

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Special Notes:

• Intolerant of poor water conditions; frequent water changes are essential.
• Exhibits regional color variations (e.g., lighter northern variants, darker southern variants, and gold-headed juveniles).
• Pairs are weakly bonded, often separating post-spawning.

This striking species is ideal for experienced aquarists maintaining Tanganyikan-specific setups.