Cylindricus Cichlid

The Cylindricus Cichlid

The Cylindricus Cichlid ( Neolamprologus cylindricus),  is a popular and striking species of cichlid native to the rocky habitats of Lake Tanganyika in Africa. Known for their impressive size and unique appearance, Cylindricus Cichlids are favored by aquarists for their beauty and relatively calm demeanor.

Physical Characteristics:

• Size: Cylindricus Cichlids can grow quite large, typically reaching lengths of 7-10 cm (3-4 inches) in captivity, and even larger in the wild.
• Coloration:
  • Body: They usually have a bluish or greyish body color, with dark vertical stripes that add to their visual appeal.
  • Fins: The fins are generally clear or slightly tinted, complementing the body coloration.
• Shape: Cylindricus Cichlids have a robust and elongated body shape, which contributes to their distinctive appearance.

Behavior:

• Temperament: Cylindricus Cichlids are generally peaceful but can be territorial, especially males. They tend to establish territories within the tank.
• Activity Level: They are moderate swimmers and spend much of their time near the bottom and among rocks, where they feel secure.
• Community Behavior: While they can be housed with other peaceful species, care should be taken when selecting tankmates to avoid aggression, particularly from more dominant fish.

Aquarium Care:

• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 250 liters (66 gallons) is recommended for a small group of Cylindricus Cichlids to provide adequate swimming space and territory.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: Cylindricus Cichlids thrive in warmer water, with an ideal temperature range of 24°C to 26°C (75°F to 79°F).
  • pH: They prefer slightly alkaline water, with a pH range of 7.5 to 9.0.
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water, with a general hardness (GH) of 10-20 dGH, is ideal.
• Tank Setup:
  • Substrate and Decorations: A substrate of sand or fine gravel is recommended. Cylindricus Cichlids enjoy a well-decorated tank with plenty of hiding spots created by rocks, caves, and other decorations to mimic their natural habitat.
  • Lighting: Moderate lighting is best for highlighting their colors without causing stress.
  • Filtration: A strong filtration system is essential to maintain water quality. Regular water changes (about 25% weekly) are important to keep the tank clean.

Diet:

• Cylindricus Cichlids are carnivorous and require a varied diet to thrive. Their diet should include:
  • Pellets: High-quality cichlid pellets should form the staple of their diet.
  • Live or Frozen Foods: Offer live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, mysis, and other protein-rich options to provide essential nutrients.
  • Vegetable Matter: Occasionally include plant-based foods, such as spirulina flakes or blanched vegetables, to ensure a balanced diet.

Tankmates:

• Cylindricus Cichlids can be housed with a variety of compatible species, provided they are not overly aggressive. Suitable tankmates include:
  • Other Peaceful Cichlids: Species that thrive in similar water conditions.
  • Bottom Feeders: Such as Synodontis and Pleco's that can handle the presence of more dominant fish.
• Avoid housing them with aggressive species or fish that may provoke their territorial nature.