Neolamprologus cylindricus is a predatory cichlid with an elongated body and bold stripes from Lake Tanganyika. A true ambush hunter among rocks.
Overview
Neolamprologus cylindricus is a medium-sized predatory cichlid from Lake Tanganyika, distinguished by its unusual elongated cylindrical body shape — a trait that gave the species its name. Adults reach 10–12 cm in length.
The coloration of N. cylindricus is very attractive: broad dark brown or black vertical bars on a cream or golden-beige background create a striking pattern. The elongated snout and streamlined body reveal a typical ambush predator — in the wild, the cylindricus hides in narrow crevices between rocks and strikes at passing prey with lightning speed.
In nature, this species inhabits rocky coastal zones of Lake Tanganyika, where it favors areas with abundant cracks and crevices. Thanks to its elongated body shape, the fish can easily slip into the narrowest shelters, inaccessible to other cichlids of similar size. This feature makes the cylindricus a unique resident of the rock biotope.
Tank Requirements
A pair of Neolamprologus cylindricus requires a tank of at least 100 liters. When keeping them with other species, increasing the volume to 200 liters or more is recommended.
Optimal water parameters:
- Temperature: 24–28 °C
- pH: 7.8–9.0
- GH: 10–20
The tank should be decorated in the rocky Tanganyikan style. The key requirement is numerous narrow gaps and crevices between rocks. These are the places where the cylindricus feels comfortable and displays natural behavior. Arrange rocks to form long horizontal and vertical crevices — this is more important than spacious caves.
Substrate should be sand or fine gravel. The fish does not dig extensively, but sandy substrate looks most natural for a Tanganyikan biotope.
Filtration should be efficient, providing clean water with moderate flow. Like all Tanganyikan inhabitants, the cylindricus is demanding when it comes to water quality.
Feeding and Diet
Neolamprologus cylindricus is an obligate predator. In the wild, its diet primarily consists of small fish and crustaceans, which it ambushes from between rocks.
In the aquarium, the diet should be predominantly protein-based:
- High-quality pellets for predatory cichlids
- Frozen foods: brine shrimp, mysis, krill, glassworms
- Live foods: small feeder fish (if available), daphnia
- Shrimp meat (finely chopped)
Feed once or twice daily in moderate portions. The cylindricus is prone to overeating — monitor food quantities carefully.
Important: do not feed exclusively dry food. To maintain health and vibrant coloration, be sure to include frozen or live foods at least 2–3 times per week.
Care and Maintenance
Neolamprologus cylindricus requires an intermediate level of fishkeeping experience. The main challenge is managing territorial aggression, which can be quite pronounced, especially in smaller tanks.
Weekly water changes of 20–25% are mandatory. Monitor nitrate levels — they should not exceed 20 mg/l. Tanganyikan cichlids tolerate water pollution poorly, so regular parameter monitoring is an essential part of care.
Ensure all rock structures are securely positioned. The cylindricus is an active fish, and rocks must be stable.
Watch inhabitant behavior closely. If the cylindricus begins targeting a specific fish, the situation can quickly become dangerous — its elongated body allows it to enter shelters that protect other fish from bulkier aggressors. Remove the victim promptly if needed.
Compatibility
Neolamprologus cylindricus is a territorial predator, but its aggression is generally lower than that of larger relatives such as Neolamprologus tretocephalus.
Suitable tank mates:
- Neolamprologus leleupi — comparable in size, occupies a similar niche, but conflicts are usually limited to displays
- Neolamprologus brichardi or Neolamprologus pulcher — with sufficient tank volume
- Altolamprologus calvus — a calm neighbor occupying a different ecological niche
- Cyphotilapia frontosa — in spacious tanks of 300+ liters
- Catfish like Synodontis petricola — bottom-dwellers typically ignored by the cylindricus
Unsuitable:
- Small fish, including shell-dwelling cichlids (Neolamprologus multifasciatus, Lamprologus ocellatus) — will be treated as food
- Slow-moving species of small size — easy prey for an ambush predator
- Very large and aggressive species in a cramped tank — stress and injuries are inevitable
Breeding
Neolamprologus cylindricus is a cave spawner, and breeding in the aquarium is not particularly challenging once a bonded pair has formed.
The female lays 50–150 eggs on the walls or ceiling of a chosen crevice. Thanks to their elongated body shape, these fish spawn in very narrow shelters inaccessible to most other tank inhabitants. Incubation lasts 2–3 days, and fry become free-swimming 7–10 days after hatching.
Both parents participate in guarding the offspring: the female typically stays close to the fry, while the male patrols the surrounding territory. During this period, his aggression toward neighbors noticeably increases.
Fry accept baby brine shrimp and small cyclops from the first days. They grow at a moderate pace, with characteristic bars beginning to appear after 3–4 weeks. Once fry reach 2–3 cm, they should be moved to a separate rearing tank, as parents may begin preparing for a new spawn and show aggression toward the growing juveniles.