Care
Found in lakes and rivers where it feeds largely by scraping algae from the rocks, this is a fish that has similarities to some of the African Rift Lake cichlids, including the fact that it's native to great lakes filled with lots of competitors. Here they find sanctuary amongst submerged roots and the crevices of rocks, never straying too far from cover.
The aquarium should be large, with plenty of hiding places amongst driftwood and rocky caves, and flower pots laid on their side are also much appreciated. If plants are desired, choose tough species such as Java Fern (Microsorum sp.) or Anubias sp. tied onto the wood, as plants rooted in the substrate will probably be dug up if in the wrong place. Neets are highly aggressive when breeding, and are therefore best maintained alongside robust tankmates which can either tolerate their aggression, or midwater shoaling fishes which can outmaneuver them. They will think nothing of attacking fish several times larger than themselves in defence of their young and as they're often found alongside species such as Red devils and Midas cichlids (Amphilophus) in the wild, their parental instincts compel them to tackle any threat. When not breeding, they largely ignore non-cichlid tankmates.
To warn other fish to keep their distance, breeding fish reverse their colour pattern and become very dark with a white bar and bright white eyes. In this colouration they are some of the most striking small Central American cichlids available. This white bar/black body combined with their shape and algae eating habits have led to an alternative common name of Poor man's Tropheus. Decades after being given this name, they are now far more rare and often more expensive than Tropheus duboisi.
Feeding
Consumes a lot of algae in the wild but will accept most aquarium foods offered. Try to keep it varied with good quality plant-based flakes, small sinking pellet foods, and a mixture of frozen foods.
Breeding
Easy to breed but often need a target for territorial aggression to remain compatible. When ready to spawn, both fish will darken considerably in colour, with the female fish then cleaning her chosen spawning site, usually in a cave. Following a courtship ritual, a modest spawn of less than 100 eggs will be laid/fertilised. The female then takes responsibility for tending to the eggs, whilst the male patrols the perimeter and vigorously protects them from intruders. The eggs should hatch within 3 days, and the wrigglers moved to a pre-dug pit in the substrate, where they will remain until the yolk sac is absorbed (usually a further 3 or 4 days). At this point, the large, free-swimming fry can be offered baby brineshrimp (Artemia nauplii) and crushed flake foods. The adult fish are excellent parents, with care continuing for several weeks.
