Neolamprologus bifasciatus Care Guide
Neolamprologus bifasciatus is a cylindrical rock-dwelling cichlid from Lake Tanganyika, a pair-bonded cave spawner suited to community rift-lake setups.
Overview
Neolamprologus bifasciatus is a cylindrical lamprologine cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. It is marked by horizontal stripes and a yellow eye. The species is a deeper-water rock-dweller that pairs and breeds in caves, and is workable in mixed Tanganyika community aquariums.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Neolamprologus
- Scientific name: Neolamprologus bifasciatus
- Described: Büscher, 1993
Habitat
The species is endemic to Lake Tanganyika and recorded from deeper rocky habitat at depths of roughly 30 to 45 metres. FishBase gives a pH range of 7.5 to 9.0, temperatures of 24 to 28 °C and a hardness of 10 to 25 dH for its environment.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.5-9.2
- GH: 12-25 °dGH
- Adult size: up to about 11 cm
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
Diet
The species is carnivorous, with a trophic level estimated from its close relatives. In the aquarium it accepts meaty frozen and prepared foods. Several small feedings per day are appropriate.
Compatibility
The species is semi-aggressive and territorial around its breeding cave but generally manageable in community rift-lake tanks. Suitable companions include open-water Cyprichromis, Julidochromis and other lamprologines. Lake Malawi mbuna and Tropheus should be avoided.
Breeding
The species is a pair-bonded cave spawner. A pair claims a cave or crevice, the female deposits eggs inside and both parents defend the site and fry. Breeding is of intermediate difficulty in a tank with adequate rockwork.
Conservation status
FishBase lists Neolamprologus bifasciatus as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List (assessed 2025).