Neolamprologus cylindricus

Cylindricus takes its name from its long body with an almost round cross-section. It carries regular dark vertical bars on a pale gray-white base, and a light blue stripe runs along the edges of its fins. It reaches around 12 cm. Although it looks elegant, it fiercely defends its territory and is intolerant of its own species and of similarly shaped fish. A properly established pair regularly raises fry among the rocks.

• 150 liters for a pair; 200 liters or more with other species.
• Rock piles with several caves that break lines of sight.
• pH 8–9, hard and stable water; a 25% water change every week.
• Fine sand substrate; it digs under caves.

Carnivorous. Make cichlid granules the staple and vary it with frozen mysis, krill and brine shrimp. Feed small amounts 1–2 times a day.

It determinedly defends the area around its cave; its aggression increases when it has fry. It hunts small fish and fry that fit in its mouth. To form a pair, juveniles are raised together; pairing adults later can lead to fighting.

Good companions: Cyprichromis, Altolamprologus, large Julidochromis species, Synodontis catfish; in a large tank.

Avoid: other Neolamprologus species (in a small tank), shell dwellers, small fish, shrimp.