Cylindricus Cichlid (Neolamprologus cylindricus) Care Guide
Neolamprologus cylindricus is an elongated rock-dwelling Tanganyika cichlid with bold vertical bars, kept in caves-rich aquaria.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Neolamprologus cylindricus is a rock-dwelling cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, known only from the southeastern part of the lake. It has an elongated body marked with bold vertical bars and was described by Staeck and Seegers in 1986. Its former name was Lamprologus cylindricus.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Neolamprologus
- Scientific name: Neolamprologus cylindricus
- Common synonyms: Lamprologus cylindricus
Habitat
The species lives close to the rocky bottom in the southeastern lake, mainly at depths under 10 metres, and prefers recesses within the rocky biotope. FishBase classes it as a freshwater, benthopelagic fish of tropical waters around 23-28 °C.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L (53 gal)
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.5-9.2
- GH: 12-25 °dGH
- Dense rockwork with caves and recesses
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
Provide plenty of rock structure with crevices the fish can claim. FishBase lists pH 7.0-8.5 and dH 10-15 for wild waters; the parameters above follow the verified care record for hard, alkaline Rift-lake conditions.
Diet
A carnivore. FishBase reports it feeds on invertebrates such as shrimps and other crustaceans, with a trophic level of about 3.5. In the aquarium it takes meaty frozen and prepared foods fed roughly twice daily.
Compatibility
Semi-aggressive and bottom-oriented, it defends a chosen recess. It mixes with open-water Cyprichromis, Julidochromis and other lamprologines in spacious tanks. Avoid mbuna, Tropheus and aggressive haplochromines.
Breeding
A cave spawner; FishBase and Wikipedia describe it laying eggs in caves and raising fry in seclusion, with the substrate cave forming the focal point of the breeding territory.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2025), per FishBase.
Breeding Neolamprologus cylindricus
Overview
Neolamprologus cylindricus is an elongated rock-dwelling Lamprologine endemic to the south-eastern part of Lake Tanganyika, reaching about 10.4 cm total length. According to Wikipedia it lays its eggs in caves, and FishBase classifies it as a substrate spawner that raises its fry in seclusion within the recesses of the rocky biotope.
Sexing
Sexing is subtle. As in related Lamprologines, adult males tend to grow larger; otherwise pairs are best obtained by raising a group and letting a bond form.
Conditioning
Provide stable, hard, alkaline water. FishBase lists a pH range of 7.0-8.5, hardness of 10-15 dH and a temperature of 23-28 C for the species. A carnivorous diet matching its natural feeding on small crustaceans and invertebrates supports condition.
Breeding Setup
Aquascape with sand and dense rockwork that forms tight caves and recesses, reflecting the recesses of the rocky biotope this species favours. A defensible cave is required, as cave spawners of this group will not breed without a suitable cavity.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Spawning is secretive within a cave. As a substrate (cave) spawner the female deposits adhesive eggs inside the cavity. Mature lake-type water and the presence of a tight cave are the principal conditions for spawning.
Egg & Fry Care
FishBase describes the species as raising its fry in seclusion, with the brood kept hidden inside the cave. Free-swimming fry are reared within the protected cavity before venturing out.
Common Challenges
The species is described as solitary, and aggression toward conspecifics rises during breeding, so a single pair in a spacious, cave-rich tank with visual barriers is the most reliable arrangement.