Five-striped cichlid - Neolamprologus tretocephalus - DNZ - single specimen

Originally the Neolamprologus tretocephalus comes from the African Lake Tanganyika and is also known as the five-striped cichlid. In its habitat it inhabits mainly rocky shore zones with many crevices and hiding places, where it retreats, but also spawns. Especially its striking five black stripes were one of the reasons for the name of this beautiful representative of the cichlids. Especially among Africa fans they are very popular.

You get our five stripe cichlids in pairs, furthermore they are German offspring.

With a size of about 15 cm the males become somewhat larger than the females, which grow only about 10 cm. Five-striped cichlids have the typical slightly high-backed perch body with a terminal mouth and thick lip bulges. On their light ground color are five conspicuous black stripes that extend into the dorsal fin and run toward the belly. All fins are transparent light-dark blue, sometimes even white fringed. Their eyes are strikingly large.

Breeding in the aquarium is possible if they feel comfortable. Five-striped cichlids are cave breeders. In selected caves they lay their spawn, which is cared for by the female, she also cares for the hatched fry, which can be supplied with freshly hatched Artemia nauplii as soon as their yolk sac is exhausted.

The aquarium for a pair of Five-striped Cichlids should be at least 350 liters. Since the animals maintain a very pronounced social behavior and also show the day, their attitude is recommended rather in a species tank with their peers. Since these animals are also possessive and very territorial, a stone structure that prevents them from falling over should provide privacy and territorial boundaries, but also retreat possibilities. Calciferous perforated rock is advantageous here, since the animals prefer alkaline water. As substrate a fine to medium gravel is recommended, but also sand. Since the animals occasionally dig in the soil, a sufficiently dimensioned filter is advantageous to maintain a permanently good water hygiene. Planting is rather unimportant, but can be done well with bitter tasting perching plants like Anubia or Java fern can be implemented. Their aquarium water should be well maintained and have a pH value between 7.8 and 9.0. The animals feel most comfortable at a temperature of 24 and 27 °C, they also tolerate temperatures above this, however, additional aeration should then be ensured in order to increase the oxygen input in the aquarium.

The beautiful and quite dominant five-striped cichlids are not suitable for socialization with other species or even invertebrates. We therefore recommend keeping them in pairs or harems in a species tank.

The carnivorous Neoamprologus tretocephalus feed in their habitat on small crustaceans and worms, but also on mollusks. Invertebrates are therefore not suitable for socialization under any circumstances. In the aquarium the perch can be fed several times a day with small amounts without any problems. Preferred are live and frozen foods like Gammarus, Cyclops, Mysis, but also Krill, Daphnia and Artemia. Their diet should be very varied and may also include commercial granulated food or for carnivorous ornamental fish.

Our food recommendation: NatureHolic Cichfeed is a great staple food for all carnivorous cichlids in the aquarium, which perfectly meets their requirements for food composition. The tasty pearls are also very well eaten by larger cichlids. Thanks to their soft texture, NatureHolic Cichfeed food pearls are gentle on the mouth and can be eaten very well by the fish.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planaria and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend when keeping fish the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.