The Tretocephalus Cichlid, also known as the Five-bar Cichlid, comes from the coastal waters of Lake Tanganyika, Africa. The appearance of the Tretocephalus is similar to that of the Frontosa, but has only 5 stripes.

The Tretocephalus should be maintained in an aquarium of at least 50 gallons with other aggressive cichlids. Provide plenty of rocks with caves, and a sandy bottom comprised of aragonite to maintain the necessary alkalinity, and provide room to set up territories.

The Tretocephalus is a cave spawner, and breeding is more difficult than most of the cichlids. Provide plenty of caves with sandy bottoms for the female to lay its eggs. Incubation occurs in 3 to 4 days and the female will remain to protect the young. Feed the fry newly hatched brine shrimp and finely crushed flake food.

Its diet should contain both meaty and vegetable-based foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, Spirulina-based flake and pellet foods.

Ideal tank mates include other aggressive African Cichlids and African Catfish of the genus Synodontis.

Fish Facts

Name: Tretocephalus Cichlid (Lamprologus tretocephalus)

Family: Cichlidae

Range: Lake Tanganyika, Africa

Size: Up to 6 inches

Diet: Omnivore

Tank Set-up: Freshwater: Rocks, sand bottom

Tank Conditions: 72-82°F; pH 7.8-9.0; dH 12-20

Minimum Tank Capacity: 50 gallons

Light: Low

Temperament: Aggressive

Swimming Level: Bottom

Care Level: Easy

Reproduction: Cave Spawner