Five-bar cichlid
Neolamprologus tretocephalus
Also known as Tretocephalus, Five-barred lamprologus, Five bar cichlid
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 73–81°F
- 23–27°C
- pH
- 7.8–8.9
- Adult size
- 5.9 in
- 15 cm
- Minimum tank
- 53 gal
- 200 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
- Rocky areas of the northern half of Lake Tanganyika in East Africa.
Overview
The five-bar cichlid is an aggressive fish from Lake Tanganyika that holds a territory near the bottom of the tank. It is a fish for keepers past the beginner stage.
Did you know
The five-bar cichlid is often mistaken for a baby frontosa in stores. Counting the black bars tells them apart, with five on this fish and six on a true frontosa.
Caring for the five-bar cichlid
Give a single five-bar cichlid or a bonded pair at least 53 gal (200 L), with rock caves. Expect it to claim and defend a large part of the tank.
Keep the water hard and alkaline, at 73 to 81°F (23 to 27°C) and a pH of 7.8 to 8.9. Feed carnivore foods such as frozen mysis, krill and chopped shrimp, plus quality pellets.
It is too aggressive for small, peaceful Tanganyikans, so choose robust tank mates or keep it alone. It can be strongly aggressive, especially as an adult. Juveniles are more social, but they pair off and turn territorial with age.
The five-bar cichlid is a cave spawner. Breeding it is of medium difficulty.
Good to know
The five-bar cichlid, Neolamprologus tretocephalus, is a stocky rock dweller named for the five dark bars on its blue-white body. It looks similar to the larger Cyphotilapia frontosa but stays much smaller.
In the wild
The five-bar cichlid comes from rocky areas in the northern half of Lake Tanganyika. It stakes out a territory in the rocks and drives off intruders that come too close.
Common questions
What size tank does a five-bar cichlid need?
A five-bar cichlid needs at least 53 gal (200 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.
What temperature and pH does a five-bar cichlid need?
A five-bar cichlid is comfortable at 73–81°F (23–27°C) with a pH of 7.8–8.9.
What does a five-bar cichlid eat?
A five-bar cichlid eats carnivore foods such as frozen mysis, krill and chopped shrimp, plus quality pellets.
How big does a five-bar cichlid get?
An adult five-bar cichlid reaches about 5.9 in (15 cm).
How does a five-bar cichlid breed?
A five-bar cichlid is a cave spawner. Breeding one is of medium difficulty.
Related species
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