Fourspine Cichlid (Neolamprologus tetracanthus)
| Fourspine Cichlid Neolamprologus tetracanthus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Fourspine Cichlid |
| Name Lat. | Neolamprologus tetracanthus |
| Family | Cichlids |
| Family lat. | Cichlidae |
| Order | Cichlids |
| Order lat. | Cichliformes |
| Origin | Lake Tanganyika |
| Habitat | Sandy zone |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 7.5-9.0 |
| Behavior | Predatory, aggressive |
| Keeping | Pair |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Cave spawner |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 6-8 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 16-20 cm |
| Temperature | 24-28 °C |
| Hardness | 15-18 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 400 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 6"-8" |
| Temperature | 75-82 °F |
| Hardness | 267-320 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 100 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The Pearl Line Tanganyika Cichlids are found exclusively (endemically) in Lake Tanganyika, where they are widely distributed along the coasts. There they live in the rock transition zone over sandy and muddy bottoms.
Maintenance
The aquarium should be structured with sturdy rock structures and robust plants, with caves, crevices and shelters that provide hiding places, as well as some open areas with fine sand substrate and adequate swimming space.
No ammonia, ammonium or nitrite should be detectable, and nitrate levels should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is 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, insect larvae and snails. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed 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. Males form large territories and behave very territorial within the species. Keeping several pairs is only recommended in a much larger and richly structured tank. They can be socialized with other robust Lake Tanganyika cichlids.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature may be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The sexes are difficult to distinguish. The slightly larger males have a longer extended ventral fin and develop a slight frontal hump when older.
Reproduction and breeding
They are cave breeders and usually attach the spawn to the cave ceiling or walls. The female performs brood care, while the male defends the territory. The fry hatch after 3-4 days and swim free after 8-10 days. Both parents continue to guard the fry for some time before brood care ends.
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the fry are easy prey.
Important
There are several different location variants, each with a different color.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. The temperature should be checked daily, the pH, hardness and nitrate value 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: petdata
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF