Big Eye Multifasciatus (Neolamprologus similis)
| Big Eye Multifasciatus Neolamprologus similis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Big Eye Multifasciatus |
| Name Lat. | Neolamprologus similis |
| Family | Cichlids |
| Family lat. | Cichlidae |
| Order | Cichlids |
| Order lat. | Cichliformes |
| Origin | Lake Tanganyika |
| Habitat | Sandy intermediate zone |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 7.5-9.0 |
| Behavior | Semi-aggressive |
| Keeping | Pair, group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Cave spawner |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 5-8 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 5 cm |
| Temperature | 24-28 °C |
| Hardness | 15-18 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 80 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 2" |
| Temperature | 75-82 °F |
| Hardness | 267-320 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 20 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the broad-striped snail cichlids is exclusively (endemic) Lake Tanganyika in Zaire, Zambia and Tanzania. They live in the rocky areas with sandy bottoms and empty snail shells (Neothauma snail), which serve them as living caves.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have large free sand areas, with a fine approx. 6 cm deep sand suitable for digging and at least 2 snail shells (e.g. from vine snails) for each animal as well as provide sufficient swimming space. Stones, roots and plants provide hiding places and serve to separate territories.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and the oxygen content, a filter adapted to the aquarium size and a heater are required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
In the wild they feed mainly on small crustaceans and insect larvae. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed at least once a day with a high-quality dry food for Tanganyika cichlids (flakes, granules, pellets) as well as cyclops, daphnia, artemia and mosquito larvae (live or frozen)
It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.
Behaviour and compatibility
They should be kept in pairs or in a group. They are territorial and defend their territory. Keeping multiple pairs is only recommended in a larger and richly structured tank. They should only be socialized with other small Lake Tanganyika cichlids. Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The sexes are difficult to distinguish. Adult males are slightly larger than females and may develop a forehead hump.
Reproduction and breeding
They usually spawn in snail shells, but occasionally in burrows.
The female buries a snail shell in the sand with the opening facing upwards, spawns in it (cave breeder) and fans the spawn with her fins. After about 24 hours the fry hatch, swim freely after 6-7 days and stay near the snail shells, into which they retreat in case of danger.
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food. In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the fry are easy prey.
Important
Neolamprologus similis are easily confused with Neolamprologus multifasciatus. Neolamprologus similis are more contrasting colored and the stripes rake up to the eyes.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); BAENSCH & RIEHL (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 4, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF