TankBud

Mustache lamprologus

Neolamprologus mustax

Also known as Lamprologus mustax, Mask lamprologus

FreshwaterFish

Mustache lamprologus (Neolamprologus mustax)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
75–81°F
24–27°C
pH
7.8–9.0
Adult size
3.5 in
9 cm
Minimum tank
42 gal
160 L
Temperament
Aggressive
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Bottom
Diet
Carnivore
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Cave spawner · Medium
Rarity
Common
Family
Cichlidae
Origin
Lake Tanganyika

Overview

The mustache lamprologus is an aggressive Tanganyika rock cichlid that holds a cave near the bottom of the tank. It is best kept by someone with a little experience.

Did you know

The mustache lamprologus is named for the white patch under its chin, set against an amber to olive body. In the gloom of a cave, that white chin flashes like a signal lamp.

Caring for the mustache lamprologus

Give a mustache lamprologus 42 gal (160 L) or more, with stacked stone that leaves real caves rather than decorative gaps. It claims a cave and the stone around it, so several separated rock piles keep the peace.

Keep the water hard and alkaline, at 75 to 81°F (24 to 27°C) and a pH of 7.8 to 9.0. Feed frozen and prepared meaty foods.

Keep a single fish or a settled pair. It is aggressive and defends its area firmly, but it does not roam looking for trouble. It suits a Tanganyika community with Cyprichromis swimming above and other rock dwellers at a distance. Pick those tank mates with caution.

It spawns in a cave, where the female tends the eggs while the male holds the wider territory. Breeding it is of medium difficulty.

Good to know

The mustache lamprologus, Neolamprologus mustax, belongs to the family Cichlidae. Several regional forms exist, including a strongly orange population.

In the wild

The mustache lamprologus lives among the rock piles of southern Lake Tanganyika. It picks invertebrates from crevices and retreats into cover when pressed.

Common questions

What size tank does a mustache lamprologus need?

A mustache lamprologus needs at least 42 gal (160 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a mustache lamprologus need?

A mustache lamprologus is comfortable at 75–81°F (24–27°C) with a pH of 7.8–9.0.

What does a mustache lamprologus eat?

A mustache lamprologus eats meaty foods, both frozen and prepared.

How big does a mustache lamprologus get?

An adult mustache lamprologus reaches about 3.5 in (9 cm).

How does a mustache lamprologus breed?

A mustache lamprologus lays its eggs in a cave. The female tends them while the male holds the wider territory, and breeding is of medium difficulty.

Related species