Care
The Five-bar Cichlid is widely distributed across the northern half of Lake Tanganyika. Here, it is found in the intermediate habitat where rocks give way to open expanses of sand. These cichlids feed primarily on invertebrates that live in the substrate, small molluscs being a particular favourite. The aquarium that houses this species should be at least 5ft long, with a good amount of filtration, water movement and oxygenation. The best choice of substrate would be coral sand or aragonite, which will help to keep the water hard and alkaline. Rocks should be used to create small outcrops, crevices, and caves, ensuring that there are ample visual barriers - but do also leave some generous expanses of sand. Hardy plants could also be incorporated into the aquascape if desired. Five-bar Cichlids can be very aggressive towards one another in the confines of the home aquarium; providing as much space as possible, along with plenty of broken lines of sight amongst the decor will help. These cichlids can be maintained in a species-only aquarium or as part of a robust Tanganyikan community with fish of similar size and temperament. However, if a breeding pair forms within the group, they can become exceptionally territorially aggressive, and it is often best to move them to a tank of their own at this stage. Five-bar Cichlids are intolerant of poor water conditions, so ensure small partial water changes are carried out on a frequent basis. May also be seen on sale as the Five-barred Lamprologus.
Feeding
Flake, slow-sinking pellets/granules, frozen foods such as vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, Mysis shrimp, chopped krill, mosquito larvae etc. Will eat snails.
Breeding
Neolamprologus tretocephalus is a cave spawning species. The bond these fish form when breeding is weak, and typically only lasts for the duration of spawning and brood care. Spawning may occur at 4-6 week intervals, and between times, the male may become rather intolerant of the female, so a multitude of hiding places is essential. The pair will select a suitable cave, either one that has been provided in the aquascape, or one they have excavated themselves. The female deposits her eggs (which may number up to 400) in the cave, the male immediately swimming over them and fertilising with his milt. It is not always obvious when these fish have spawned, as oftentimes they are very secretive and the cave may be hidden from view. Once spawning has finished, the female will tend to the eggs, with the male fish aggressively guarding the perimeter of the cave. The eggs should hatch within 2-3 days (temperature dependent), with the fry becoming free swimming some 5-7 days later. The young can be started off on a diet of freshly hatched brineshrimp (Artemia nauplii) and finely powdered "first foods". Brood care lasts for a further 2-3 weeks.
