Cylinder Cichlid

Geographic Origin and Biotope: South-eastern Lake Tanganyika (Zambia, Tanzania). Lives in the steep rocky and detrital substrate (Rubble zone), at medium depths.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Cylinder Cichlid (Neolamprologus cylindricus). Cichlid with a robust cigar-shaped body, laterally compressed to dart into natural limestone rock tubes.

Social Behavior: Den warrior. Extremely tied to the rocks, it never wanders far from its crevice. Becomes ruthlessly aggressive and murderous towards fish that look like it or that dare to invade its stone.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Zebra of the lake. Very marked vertical black and white stripes along the entire body (unlike tretocephalus it has 10 clear bands). Bright blue-green eyes, fin margins light blue or yellow depending on location (e.g. "Gold Fin").

Aquarium Setup: A scree (Rock-dweller). Needs huge holed rocks stably stacked up to the surface. Gravel or sand should be laid thin, because he and the female will dig furiously to expand the caves.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivore of small prey (Benthivore). Will snub floating foods. Offer fast-sinking protein pellets, krill and chopped earthworms. Vegetables inflame its intestines.

Water Quality: Rigid lacustrine requirements. The pH must NEVER drop below 7.8. The calcareous (Sansibar) or coralline rocks in the tank act as a fundamental natural buffering system for hardness.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Excellent in Tanganyika community tanks (Cyprichromis leptosoma on the surface, Neolamprologus multifasciatus in an isolated sand-only area). Will instead kill other barred rock-dwellers on sight.

Aquarium Reproduction: Extremely faithful and collaborative couples. They lay hundreds of eggs in secret crevices. The parents dig tunnels to protect the larvae, forming a cloud of voracious fry.

Risks and Diseases: Deadly landslides. The cylindricus systematically dig under the foundations of the rocks to create dens. If the setup is not glued (silicone or resin) or resting on the glass, the rocks will collapse crushing them to death and breaking the tank.