Neolamprologus Cylindricus Cichlid

Difficult to find both in the wild and in the breeder world, this is a beautiful Tanganyikan available from one of our best breeders. The Neolamprologus cylindricus is sought for the unique vertical bar pattern and shell-dwelling behavior, though unlike some other shell-dwelling neolamprologus, these fish prefer to dwell among rocks. The long cylinder shape accounts for the common name cylindricus cichlid.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Use a sand bottom with rockwork, caves and crevices for spawning sites. Lake Malawi and Lake Tanganyika cichlids need hard, alkaline water; crushed coral or aragonite sand helps hold the pH up.

Feeding: Feed a quality cichlid pellet or flake once or twice a day. They also enjoy frozen foods like brine shrimp.

Tankmates: Tanganyikan cichlids do best with other Tanganyikans of similar size, such as julidochromis, neolamprologus and synodontis catfish. Give each pair its own territory.

Good to know: Tanganyikan cichlids are long-lived and slow-growing, but they are hardy if the water is kept clean and stable.