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