Mustax Cichlid (Neolamprologus mustax) Care Guide
Neolamprologus mustax is a small yellowish cave-spawning Tanganyika cichlid whose colour may mimic juveniles of Variabilichromis moorii.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Neolamprologus mustax is a small cave-dwelling cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, described by Poll in 1978 (formerly Lamprologus mustax). It has a yellowish body; researchers suggest its colour may resemble juveniles of another cichlid, Variabilichromis moorii, possibly giving it access to that species' feeding territories.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Neolamprologus
- Scientific name: Neolamprologus mustax
- Common synonyms: Lamprologus mustax
Habitat
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika (about 3-9°S), it inhabits rocky areas. FishBase classes it as a freshwater, benthopelagic species of tropical waters around 23-25 °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
- Rockwork with caves and recesses
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
Provide rockwork with defendable caves. FishBase lists a wild temperature near 23-25 °C; the parameters above follow the verified care record for hard, alkaline Rift-lake water.
Diet
A carnivore that feeds on invertebrates found in the biocover or in deep recesses of the substrate, with a trophic level around 3.5 per FishBase. In the aquarium it accepts small meaty frozen and prepared foods fed about twice daily.
Compatibility
Semi-aggressive and bottom-oriented; pairs become defensive when guarding fry. Suitable companions include Cyprichromis, Julidochromis and Synodontis petricola. Avoid mbuna and Tropheus.
Breeding
A substrate (cave) spawner. FishBase notes it spawns in caves and raises its young in seclusion, following the typical lamprologine pattern.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2025), per FishBase.
Breeding Neolamprologus mustax
Overview
Neolamprologus mustax is a cave-dwelling Lamprologine endemic to Lake Tanganyika, reaching about 9 cm total length. According to FishBase it is a substrate spawner that spawns in caves and raises its fry in seclusion. Wikipedia notes its yellow colour resembles juveniles of Variabilichromis moorii, a similarity that may give it access to that species' feeding territories.
Sexing
External sexing is subtle. As in related Lamprologines, adult males tend to grow larger; reliable pairing usually comes from growing on a group rather than from external markers.
Conditioning
Maintain the hard, alkaline conditions of Lake Tanganyika. FishBase lists a temperature of 23-25 C for the species. A varied carnivorous diet supports spawning condition.
Breeding Setup
Provide sand substrate and dense rockwork forming tight caves and crevices, since the species spawns in caves and seeks seclusion for its brood. A defensible cavity is required for a pair to settle.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
As a cave-spawning substrate brooder, the female deposits adhesive eggs inside a cave. Spawning is secretive. Mature lake-type water and a suitable cave are the principal conditions, as for other cave-spawning Neolamprologus.
Egg & Fry Care
FishBase describes the species as raising its young in seclusion, with the brood kept hidden within the cave during early development before the fry venture out.
Common Challenges
Detailed published spawning numbers are limited for this species; husbandry follows the general pattern of secretive cave-spawning Neolamprologus, with a single pair in a spacious, cave-rich tank giving the most reliable results.