General information - The Five bar cichlid or by its common name

Lamprologus tretocephalus is an aggressive cichlid from Lake

Tanganika. It has an elongated body with five bars. These bars are

black in color while the entire body is blue. Due to its appearance it is

occasionally confused with his close relatives, the Neolamprologus

sexfasciatus (Six-bar Lamprologus). Some people even confuse the

five bar cichlid with the well known Cyphotilapia frontosa. To be

accurate its often called frontosa for the poor. In their natural habitat

they are found along rocky shore areas where they feed mainly on

snails and on fish

 Common Name - Five bar cichlid, Five Barred Lamprologus

Scientific Name - Lamprologus tretocephalus

Family – Cichlidae

Origin - Lake Tanganyika, East Africa

Size – Up to 15 cm (6 inches)

First discovered - Boulenger, 1899

 Nutrition - The Five bar cichlid is a carnivore and will accept most foods. It is highly recommended to feed

it only with high quality commercial foods. Frozen/live foods should be included in its diet

Behavior - Aggressive

Maintenance and care - The Five bar cichlid should be kept in at least 40 gallon aquarium with rock

formation and plenty of room to swim. It will do best if kept alone or in pair but not in groups, the Five bar

cichlid do not tolerate others of their own kind. Provide a sandy substrate. In its natural habitat the water is

rich in oxygen and its fish tank should therefore have vigorous water movements. Good filtration system is

also essential to this magnificent cichlid. Hardy, bitter plants (Anubias, Microsorium and Echinodorus) can

be used if live plants are desired. Water changes of 20% once a week and removing uneaten food will help

prevent disease. Care should be taken in picking tank mates, should be kept only with fish that share the

same needs and the same temperament.

Water Parameters - Temperature: 75F-81F (24C-27C), pH 7.5-8.2, 8-18 dH

Breeding - The five bar cichlid is not easy to breed but it has been bred in home aquariums. Frequent

water changes are required to get them to spawn. The male will make a pit at the bottom of the cave,

and when the female is ready, she will enter the pit. These cichlids are great parents and will keep,

feed and defend their fry. Fry can be fed with fry foods, newly hatched brine shrimp or crushed flake.