Neolamprologus tetracanthus Care Guide
Neolamprologus tetracanthus is a larger predatory lamprologine from Lake Tanganyika that hunts molluscs and small fish; a pair-bonded substrate spawner.
Overview
Neolamprologus tetracanthus is a relatively large lamprologine cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. It has a silvery body marked with rows of dark spots. As a predator of molluscs and small fish, it is not suited to community tanks containing tiny shell-dwellers. The species forms pairs and spawns on the substrate.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Neolamprologus
- Scientific name: Neolamprologus tetracanthus
- Described: Boulenger, 1899
Habitat
The species is endemic to Lake Tanganyika, where it inhabits areas with sandy substrates. It ranges over open sand and the margins of rock, foraging for prey across the bottom. It also appears in the aquarium trade.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 350 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.5-9.2
- GH: 12-25 °dGH
- Adult size: up to about 20 cm (8 in)
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
The species is carnivorous, feeding on other fishes and insect larvae and specialised in sucking molluscs from their shells. In the aquarium it takes meaty frozen and prepared foods. Because it preys on small fish, tankmates should be chosen with this in mind.
Compatibility
The species is aggressive and predatory. It is best housed with robust open-water Tanganyikans such as Cyprichromis and Cyphotilapia in a spacious tank. Small fish and shell-dwelling species should be avoided as they may be eaten.
Breeding
The species is a pair-bonded substrate spawner. A bonded pair deposits eggs on a flat surface or within a sheltered site and both parents guard the brood. Breeding is of intermediate difficulty given the space and territory the pair require.
Conservation status
Neolamprologus tetracanthus is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.