Neolamprologus multifasciatus- Neolamprologus multifasciatus distribution
Family: Cichlidae;
Genus: Neolamprologus;
Species and synonyms: Neolamprologus multifasciatus (Neolamprologus multifasciatus, Lamprologus multifasciatus, Multies, Multi-banded lamprologus).
GBIF:
Neolamprologus multifasciatus (lat. Neolamprologus multifasciatus) is a species of ray-finned fish from the order Cichliformes, family Cichlidae, genus Neolamprologus. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, one of the smallest cichlids in the world.
Distribution. Neolamprologus multifasciatus is endemic to Lake Tanganyika, found mainly in its southern part, off the coast of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The species prefers sandy and shell-strewn bottom areas at depths from 2 to 15 meters, where empty snail shells are present, serving as shelter and spawning sites. This species often forms dense colonies where each fish occupies its own shell.
Care requirements. Neolamprologus multifasciatus is the smallest cichlid in the world, with adults reaching only 3–4 cm in size. For keeping a group of 5–10 specimens, an aquarium of 40 liters is sufficient. Empty snail shells must be placed on the bottom — at least one per fish, arranged in groups. Optimal water parameters: temperature 24–27°C, hardness 8–20 dGH, pH 7.5–9.0. Filtration, aeration and weekly water changes of 20–25% are required. Diet: live and frozen foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, cyclops), as well as high-quality dry flakes and granules. The fish are peaceful and can be kept with other small Tanganyikan cichlids.
Neolamprologus multifasciatus is a monogamous shell-dwelling cichlid. Spawning occurs inside the shell, where the female lays up to 10–20 eggs. The female remains in the shell and cares for the eggs and fry, while the male guards the territory at the entrance to the shell. In a large colony, the breeding process is continuous, and after some time, fry of different ages can be observed in the aquarium. The incubation period lasts about 7–10 days, the fry begin to swim in about a week. Fry are fed brine shrimp nauplii and fine dry food. They reach sexual maturity by 4–6 months.
In the wild, Neolamprologus multifasciatus feeds on small invertebrates. The fish show weak sexual dimorphism: males are slightly larger and slimmer than females. Coloration: the body is covered with many vertical dark stripes on a light yellow or beige background, for which the species received the name "multi-banded". The fins are transparent with a bluish sheen. For its miniature size and striped coloration, this species is often called "multies" or "multi-banded lamprologus".
Thanks to their tiny size, peaceful nature and fascinating social behavior, Neolamprologus multifasciatus has become one of the most popular species among aquarists specializing in Tanganyikan cichlids. They are ideal for nano-aquariums and can be kept in large groups, creating a unique colony with a clear social structure. Under favorable conditions, the lifespan is 5–8 years.
Neolamprologus pulcher