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Cylindricus Cichlid
Neolamprologus cylindricus
📍 Lake Tanganyika
Neolamprologus cylindricus is a small, elongated cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, known for its slender body shape and subtle coloration. These fish are relatively peaceful compared to other Tanganyikan cichlids and make excellent additions to species-specific or carefully planned community tanks. They are bottom-dwellers that appreciate rocky substrates and caves for shelter and breeding.
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Care Guide
Diet
Feed small carnivorous foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and quality micro pellets 2-3 times daily. Cylindricus cichlids are micropredators that feed on small invertebrates in their natural habitat. Occasional live food offerings help maintain natural feeding behaviors and coloration.
Behavior
Cylindricus cichlids are relatively peaceful but territorial, especially during breeding. They spend most of their time near the substrate and rocky structures, foraging and exploring caves. Males may display aggression toward conspecifics and similar-sized fish, but they are less aggressive than many other Tanganyikan cichlids.
Breeding
These fish are cave spawners that require rocky structures and caves for successful breeding. Pairs are monogamous and will defend their breeding territory vigorously. Fry are relatively large and can be fed micro foods immediately after becoming free-swimming.
Tank Mates
Similar size and temperament but may compete for cave space
Peaceful dwarf cichlid that occupies different ecological niche
Bottom-dweller that avoids direct competition
Small enough to be viewed as prey; use with caution
Algae eater that occupies different feeding niche
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Increase temperature to 28-30°C (82-86°F), use aquarium salt or ich medication, perform frequent water changes
Hole-in-the-Head (Hexamita)
Pits or holes in head region, loss of appetite, white stringy feces
Improve water quality, use metronidazole-based medication, enhance diet with quality foods and vitamin supplements
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Perform frequent water changes, maintain optimal water parameters, use antibiotic medication if severe
Bacterial Infection
Sores on body, cloudy eyes, torn fins, behavioral changes
Improve water quality, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, isolate affected fish if possible
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Carnivore - small invertebrates and zooplankton
- lifespan
- 8-10 years
- max size
- 10 cm (4 in)
- tank size
- 20 gallons minimum
- temperament
- semi-aggressive
Water it likes
- ph
- 7.5-8.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 10-20 dGH
- temperature
- 75–81°F (24–27°C)