Multi Fasciatus (Neolamprologus multifasciatus "Fasciatus") Care Guide
Neolamprologus multifasciatus is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. This guide covers its tank requirements, diet, behaviour and breeding.
Overview
Neolamprologus multifasciatus is a cichlid (family Cichlidae) endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. FishBase gives a maximum of about 4.0 cm total length; in the wild males reach ~3 cm and females are even smaller. It feeds on zooplankton that drifts past the colony in water currents.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Scientific name: Neolamprologus multifasciatus "Fasciatus"
- Described by: Boulenger, 1906
- Other names: Multi-Striped Multi
It is among the smallest known cichlids. The "Fasciatus" trade form refers to populations with strongly emphasised vertical bars.
Habitat
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, it lives over sandy sediments in beds of empty Neothauma snail shells along the lake margins, typically at 6-12 m.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 50 L (13 gal)
- Adult size: 3-5 cm
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.5-9.2 (hard, alkaline rift-lake water)
- GH: 12-25 °dGH
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
Diet
It feeds on zooplankton that drifts past the colony in water currents.
Compatibility
Neolamprologus multifasciatus "Fasciatus" is a peaceful species that occupies the bottom water layer. In a dedicated Lake Tanganyika community it is typically kept with Cyprichromis, Julidochromis, Other shellies, Synodontis petricola. Avoid combining it with Mbuna, Tropheus, Aggressive haps.
Breeding
A shell-dwelling, biparental substrate guarder. Breeding groups hold one to three males (one dominant) and up to five females; broods of roughly 5-15 fry hatch inside the shells in 6-10 days.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Not Evaluated for this species.