Neolamprologus cylindricus

A Little More Information...

Neolamprologus cylindricus is an African cichlid from Lake Tanganyika, appreciated for its slender body, vertical bars, and territorial behavior. This species inhabits the rocky shores of East Africa, where it moves through crevices in search of small prey. Despite its modest size, it has the assertive temperament typical of many Tanganyikan cichlids. It is best kept in an aquarium arranged with rocks, shelters, and well-mineralized alkaline water. Common in the specialized aquarium trade, it requires thoughtful tankmate selection and enough territory to limit conflicts.

General species description

Neolamprologus cylindricus is broadly associated with shell-dwelling cichlids, but it does not depend exclusively on shells: it mainly uses cracks, cavities, and small rocky shelters for refuge and breeding. Its elongated body allows it to move efficiently through piles of stones. The species is territorial, especially during spawning, and usually forms a pair that defends a cavity. It does best in a structured layout rather than a bare aquarium. It is common among Tanganyika aquarists, but its temperament means tankmates must be selected carefully.

Geographic origin and biotope

Neolamprologus cylindricus is endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, a large lake shared by Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, and Zambia. It inhabits the rocky littoral zone, where boulders create many crevices and refuges. The water is clear, highly mineralized, alkaline, and well oxygenated. Aquatic vegetation is generally limited, while rock surfaces may support a film of algae and microorganisms. In an aquarium, prioritize securely arranged rocks and good water movement rather than a densely planted layout.

Precise location and local name

The distribution of Neolamprologus cylindricus is associated with the rocky areas of Lake Tanganyika, rather than with a particular river. In the aquarium trade, it is mainly identified by its scientific name or by the names cylindrical cichlid and cylindricus. Lake populations may show slight differences in color or contrast depending on the area, but they remain recognizable by their elongated body and dark bars. To avoid mixing origins, scientific identification and the geographic information supplied by the vendor remain useful.

Appearance and physical characteristics

Neolamprologus cylindricus has a long, relatively slender body that is compressed from side to side. Its base color ranges from grayish beige to pale brown, with several dark vertical bars across the flanks. The head is sturdy, the mouth terminal, and the fins well developed. The dorsal and anal fins may show bluish or yellowish highlights, especially in adults in good condition. This combination of a cylindrical body and regular bands directly explains the specific name and helps distinguish it from several other small Tanganyikan cichlids.

General diet

In nature, Neolamprologus cylindricus searches for small prey among rocks and bottom deposits. Its diet includes small crustaceans, insect larvae, and other aquatic invertebrates; very small fish may also be taken occasionally. In an aquarium, it accepts quality pellets for carnivorous cichlids, frozen foods, and occasional small prey suited to its size. Meals should remain moderate and varied. An overly rich diet or one based exclusively on fatty foods can harm its condition; regular small portions are preferable to excessive feedings.

Essential data

• River of origin: Lake Tanganyika; a lake-dwelling species
• Local name used: Cylindricus; cylindrical cichlid
• Origin of the scientific name: Neolamprologus is the genus name; cylindricus describes the elongated body shape
• Etymology of the full name: neo means new; Lamprologus is a cichlid genus; cylindricus means cylindrical in Latin
• Common/vernacular names: Cylindrical cichlid; Cylindricus
• Family: Cichlidae
• Subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae
• Name pronunciation: nee-oh-lam-pro-lo-gus sill-in-dree-kus
• Discovery: Wolfgang Staeck, 1978
• Maximum adult size: About 10 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 24 to 27 °C; pH 8.0 to 9.0
• Appearance of the waterway and surrounding vegetation: Rocky shores, clear alkaline water, sparse aquatic vegetation
• Typical tankmates: Neolamprologus leleupi, Neolamprologus brichardi, Synodontis petricola
• Temperament and behavior: Territorial, active, rock-oriented, and generally monogamous when breeding
• Water depth: Approximately 1 to 15 m in rocky littoral areas
• Sexual dimorphism: Limited; adult males are often slightly larger and more robust
• Bottom structure and flow: Rocky bottom with many crevices and low to moderate water movement

In your aquarium

To keep Neolamprologus cylindricus successfully, arrange the aquarium with several separate shelters and visual breaks between territories. Maintain warm, alkaline, stable, well-oxygenated water, and feed sparingly with varied meaty foods. Plan the community before introducing the fish, because limited space can intensify chasing. Effective filtration, regular water changes, and a securely built rock layout will help keep this territorial cichlid in good condition.