General information - The Neolamprologus sexfasciatus or by its

common name Six-bar Lamprologus is very similar to the well known

Neolamprologus tretocephalus, both known to be highly aggressive

species. The name sexfasciatus derived from the Greek words sex

meaning six and fascia meaning band. The sexfas has six vertical bands

on its body. There are three different variants to this magnificent

species, golden yellow, blue and a mixture of yellow and white. The gold

one is the popular one and it can be seen in many Tanganyikan

aquariums around the world. This species discovered only in 1983 in

Tanzania

Common Name – sexfas, Six-bar Lamprologus, yellow 6 bars

  Scientific Name - Neolamprologus sexfasciatus

Family - Cichlidae

Origin – Lake Tanganika, Africa.

Size - Males can reach up to15cm (6 inches) and females reach 12-13cm

First discovered - Trewavas & Poll, 1952

Nutrition – The Six-bar Lamprologus are omnivorous, they will accept almost everything offered.

High quality commercial foods (pellets and flakes) frozen foods and live foods.

Behavior - Aggressive

Maintenance and care – The Neolamprologus sexfasciatus should be kept in at least 40 gallon tank with

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

Sexfasciatus 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: 23C - 26C (73.4F - 78.8F), pH: 8-8.8, dGH: 10 - 15

Breeding – Cave spawner.  The Six-bar Lamprologus become sexually mature until at least 18 months.

After a pair form, it is highly recommended to keep them alone or to move them to breeding tank. When

breeding they become even more aggressive. Eggs are deposited on the soft substrate and immediately

fertilized by the male. 150-200 fry will hatch from these eggs. Six-bar Lamprologus are great parents and

will keep, feed and defend their fry. The female will actually take food, and spit it back out into smaller

pieces for the fry. The fry can be fed with crushed food and with small frozen foods, brine shrimp will

appreciated by the fry.