Care
The Pearl-lined Cichlid is widely distributed throughout Lake Tanganyika. Here, it is found in the intermediate habitat where rocks give way to open expanses of sand. These cichlids feed primarily on molluscs (which they suck out from their shells) but also take insect larvae and small fish. The aquarium that houses this energetic species should be at least 6ft long, with a good amount of filtration, water movement and oxygenation. The best choice of substrate would be coral sand or aragonite, which will help to keep the water hard and alkaline. Rocks should be used to create small outcrops, crevices, and caves, ensuring that there are ample visual barriers - but do also leave generous expanses of sand. Hardy plants could also be incorporated into the aquascape if desired. Pearl-lined Cichlids can be moderately aggressive towards one another in the confines of the home aquarium, so broken lines of sight amongst the decor will help. These cichlids can be maintained in a species-only aquarium or as part of a Tanganyikan community with fish of similar size and temperament. However, if a breeding pair forms within the group, they can become much more territorially aggressive, and it is often best to move them to a tank of their own at this stage. Combining Pearl-lined Cichlids with other species does not always work in the long run, as their breeding strategy of producing large numbers with generations of juveniles defending their burgeoning family and ever-growing home territory, will eventually leave no room for outsiders. Pearl-lined Cichlids are intolerant of poor water conditions, so ensure small partial water changes are carried out on a frequent basis. May also be seen on sale as the Fourspine Cichlid.
Feeding
Flake, slow-sinking pellets/granules, frozen foods such as vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, Mysis shrimp, chopped krill, mosquito larvae etc. Will eat snails.
Breeding
Neolamprologus tetracanthus is a cave spawning species. The bond these fish form when breeding is strong and is retained during brood care and subsequent spawns. In the wild, spawning occurs in the females' preferred cave. The same process frequently occurs in the home aquarium, with the ripe female leading the chosen male from his territory to her cave. Other times, the pair may be seen excavating a cave from scratch. The female then deposits her eggs (averaging around 150-200) on the sides of the cave, the male immediately swimming over them and fertilising with his sperm. It is not always obvious when these fish have spawned, as oftentimes they are very secretive and the cave may be hidden from view. Once spawning has finished, the female will tend to the eggs, with the male fish guarding the perimeter of the cave. The eggs should hatch within 3-4 days (temperature dependent), with the fry becoming free swimming some 6-9 days later. The young can be started off on a diet of freshly hatched brineshrimp (Artemia nauplii) and finely powdered "˜first foods"™. Brood care is fairly prolonged, and the immature offspring may then help in guarding the subsequent generation of fry, coexisting within the same aquarium and forming a nuclear family. The cycle continues as the adults spawn again, and it is possible to have several generations living together.
