Five-Barred Lamprologus Cichlid
Live Fish
Shipping & Returns
All live fish are shipped using NZPost overnight services with authority to leave (no signature).
We cannot guarantee the overnight services, this is a service that we/you pay for; but is not guaranteed.
We DO NOT offer returns on any alive animal.
Above are key points of our policy, Click Here to read our full shipping policy.
Dead On Arrival (DOA) Cover*
- DOA must be reported within 2 hours of delivery.
- Bags must remain sealed (do not remove rubber band or tape)
- Photos & Videos must be supplied this can be emailed or sent through live chat; including your order No. (minimum 3 clear images, showing dead fish & sealed bag)
- DOA does not apply once the bags are opened & fish have been released.
- DOA does not apply to any Rural (RD) address.
Introducing New Fish
Follow these steps to minimize stress and ensure a smooth transition for your new fish!
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Float the Bag: Place the sealed bag containing the new fish in the tank. This equalizes the temperature between bag and tank water.
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Open and Add Tank Water Gradually: After about 5 minutes, open the bag and add a small amount of aquarium water into it every 5 minutes for 15–30 minutes. This helps the fish acclimate to the tank’s water chemistry.
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Wait 15–30 Minutes: Let the fish adjust to the water temperature and chemistry gradually in the bag.
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Release Fish: Gently release the fish into the tank without pouring the original bag water in.
Five-Barred Lamprologus Cichlid
Neolamprologus Tretocephalus
Species Overview
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Scientific Name: Neolamprologus tretocephalus
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Common Name: Five-Barred Lamprologus Cichlid
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Family: Cichlidae
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Origin: Northern and southern coastal areas of Lake Tanganyika, Africa
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Size: Up to 15 cm (6 inches)
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Lifespan: 8–10 years in captivity
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Conservation Status: Not evaluated by IUCN
Appearance & Distinctive Features
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Coloration: Silver or bluish base body color with 5 bold vertical black bars across the body and sometimes one across the eye.
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Fins: Often display a bluish sheen with elongated dorsal and anal fins in mature males.
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Sexual Dimorphism: Males grow larger and have more elongated fins than females.
Natural Habitat
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Environment: Rocky shorelines and rubble zones in shallow parts of Lake Tanganyika.
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Water Conditions:
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Temperature: 24–28°C
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pH: 7.8–9.0 (alkaline)
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Hardness: 10–20 dGH (hard to very hard)
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Aquarium Care
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Tank Size: Minimum 40 gallons for a single specimen; larger for a pair or community.
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Tank Setup:
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Rocky aquascape with caves and hiding spaces
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Sandy substrate preferred
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Strong biological filtration and regular water changes
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Behavior:
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Territorial and semi-aggressive, especially during breeding
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Best kept with similar-sized Tanganyikan cichlids or robust tankmates
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Diet
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Type: Carnivorous
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Diet Includes:
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Live or frozen foods: brine shrimp, mysis, krill, bloodworms
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High-protein pellets and flakes
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Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily, avoid overfeeding
Breeding Information
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Breeding Type: Substrate spawner
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Mating Behavior:
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Pairs form and defend a territory aggressively
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Eggs are laid in secluded rocky crevices
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Parental Care: Both parents guard the eggs and fry
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Fry Rearing: Feed baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flakes
Special Considerations
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Compatibility Issues: Not suited for community tanks with peaceful or small fish.
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Aggression: Can be very aggressive when breeding; monitor tank dynamics.
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Water Quality: Sensitive to poor water quality; maintain excellent tank hygiene.
*Product Photo is for reference only (photos of actual fish as @ 14/07/23). Exact size and colour may vary, if required, please feel free to contact us for exact photos prior to purchase.
