Care
Neolamprologus sexfasciatus is a stunning Tanganyikan cichlid with quite a number of different geographical colour variants. The specimen pictured above is a Tanzanian Gold. These fish are of a moderately aggressive nature and should only be kept with other Tanganyikan cichlids of a similar disposition (and with the same dietary needs). They are not suitable for housing alongside small shell-dwellers. In the wild, they are found in areas up to 15 metres deep in the Intermediate (or Transition) zone, which is a habitat consisting of rocks and open stretches of sand. The Tanganyikan community aquarium that houses this species should be at least 4ft 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 and caves. Neolamprologus sexfasciatus are intolerant of poor water conditions, so ensure frequent small partial water changes are carried out. If a pair does form within the group, they can become very territorial, and it is often best to move them to a tank of their own. May also be seen on sale as Six Striped Lamprologus.
Feeding
Flake, slow-sinking pellets/granules, frozen foods such as brineshrimp, Mysis shrimp, chopped krill, mosquito larvae etc.
Breeding
Neolamprologus sexfasciatus is a cave spawning species. Once a pair is ready to spawn, they will clean the floor of their chosen site prior to the eggs being laid/fertilised. The female then stays close to the eggs (which can number in excess of 200), fanning them with her pectoral fins. As the eggs hatch, the female will pick each wriggler up and move it to a chosen spot. The fry begin to freely roam about the aquarium, and after a couple of weeks, the male takes over "guard duty", vigorously defending them from any would-be predators. The young can be started off on a diet of freshly hatched brineshrimp and finely powdered "first foods".
