{"product_id":"five-bar-cichlid-neolamplorogus-tretochepalus","title":"Five Bar Cichlid - Neolamplorogus Tretochepalus","description":"\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNeolamprologus tretocephalus | The Five-Bar Cichlid From Lake Tanganyika\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eNeolamprologus tretocephalus, commonly known as the Five-Bar Cichlid or Five-Barred Lamprologus, is one of the most striking and characterful cichlids from the ancient, crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. Endemic to the rocky shorelines and sandy shallows of the lake, this robust and boldly marked cichlid displays a pale blue-grey base colour crossed by five distinct, crisp dark vertical bands — a pattern so reminiscent of the iconic Frontosa Cichlid that it has earned the affectionate nickname \"mini Frontosa\" among hobbyists. For aquarists who love the look of Tanganyikan cichlids but want something on a slightly more manageable scale, the Tretocephalus is a compelling choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eAssertive, intelligent, and full of personality, this is a fish that commands respect in the aquarium — and rewards attentive keepers with fascinating territorial behaviour, strong pair bonds, and the occasional opportunity to witness spawning in the home aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNeolamprologus tretocephalus Care Guide\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare at a Glance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\" class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3 print:block print:space-y-1\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eScientific name: Neolamprologus tretocephalus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eAlso known as: Five-Bar Cichlid, Five-Barred Lamprologus, Mini Frontosa\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eOrigin: Lake Tanganyika, East Africa — rocky shoreline and sandy shallow zones\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eAdult size: up to 6 inches (15 cm) — males larger and more colourful than females\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eMinimum tank size: 55 gallons for a pair — 75 gallons or more recommended for a community setup\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eTemperature: 74–82°F (23–28°C)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003epH: 7.8–9.0 — hard, alkaline water is essential\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eHardness: 10–20 dKH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eNitrate: below 20 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eLifespan: 5–8 years with good care\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNeolamprologus tretocephalus Tank Setup\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eA rocky aquarium replicating the natural shoreline environment of Lake Tanganyika is essential for this species. Stack rocks to create caves, crevices, and defined territories, with areas of open sandy substrate between rock formations — reflecting the mix of rocky and sandy habitat this fish occupies in the wild. Sand or fine substrate is strongly recommended, and African cichlid substrate or marine aragonite are excellent choices as they naturally buffer the water to the high pH and hardness Lake Tanganyika cichlids require.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eStrong, efficient filtration is non-negotiable — this species is carnivorous and produces significant waste. Biweekly water changes of 25–30% are essential to keep nitrates below 20 ppm and maintain the pristine water conditions that all Tanganyikan cichlids demand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA Critical Note on Pairing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eNeolamprologus tretocephalus is highly aggressive toward conspecifics and only a single bonded pair should ever be kept together. Buying an adult male and female does not guarantee a compatible pair — forced pairings frequently result in the female being relentlessly harassed to the point of serious injury or death. For the best results, purchase a group of juveniles and allow natural pair formation to occur, then rehome or separate any remaining unpaired individuals once a bond is established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding Your Neolamprologus tretocephalus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eA carnivore with a healthy appetite. High quality cichlid pellets form a solid staple, supplemented generously with frozen or live meaty foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworm, mysis shrimp, and small insect larvae. A varied, protein-rich diet is important for maintaining their bold colouration and long term health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNeolamprologus tretocephalus Tank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\" class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3 print:block print:space-y-1\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eOther medium-sized Lake Tanganyika cichlids occupying different niches — Cyprichromis species are a classic and natural pairing as open water midwater swimmers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eRobust Julidochromis and Altolamprologus species in sufficiently large tanks with ample territory\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eCan even be kept with mbuna in large, well-structured setups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eAvoid delicate or small species that will be harassed or eaten\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eAvoid similarly shaped rock-dwelling cichlids of comparable size that will compete for territory\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eNever keep more than one pair — extremely aggressive toward conspecifics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Poseidon Aquatics And Plants","offers":[{"title":"1\"-1.5\"","offer_id":48532010008798,"sku":null,"price":16.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0645\/4768\/4574\/files\/Photo_c76bf674-ca83-49a4-aa92-26174c534b16.png?v=1741201181","url":"https:\/\/poseidonaquaticsandplants.com\/products\/five-bar-cichlid-neolamplorogus-tretochepalus","provider":"Poseidon Aquatics And Plants","version":"1.0","type":"link"}