Systematics. The genus Lamprologus was long recognized as diverse group of substrate spawning cichlids groups with distant ancestry.  The type species for the genus Lamprologus, L. congoensis, is a fluvial, substrate spawning cichlid thus the genus Lamprologus is currently restricted to only riverine forms (Sturmbauer et al. 1994).  Note Konings (1998) assigns several species (many commonly known as "shell-dwellers") with unresolved phylogeny to the genus "Lamprologus" (the parenthesis denote unknown/unresolved taxonomy).  Colombe and Allgayer (1985) proposed several new genera to begin separation of this diverse group of cichlids commonly called "Lamprologines".  They proposed the genus Neolamprologus to represent one group of substrate spawning species occurring in Lake Tanganyika.  The type species for the Neolamprologus group is N. tetracanthus. 

Neolamprologus cylindricus female 60 mm TL

Natural habitat. N. cylindricus is considered a close relative of N. leleupi and replaces the later in a range extending from Isanga northward to Karema on the southeastern shore of  Lake Tanganyika (Konings 1998).  Local variants of this species are not known though individuals collected towards the southern end of the range are reported to have greater yellow coloration (so-called "goldhead cylindricus") between the dark bars versus the white/black coloration of most known populations.  The habitat of this species is typical for small substrate spawners, consisting of rocky coastline where this species is generally restricted to 10 m or less in depth (Konings 1998). 

Neolamprologus cylindricus male 80 mm TL

Captive Maintenance. This moderate sized species is well-suited to a captive environment.  N. cylindricus is monomorphic with similar aged males generally a bit large in size than females.  Lone individuals may be maintained in community aquaria of 40 gallons or more.  Pairs may be maintained in community aquaria of at least 55 gallons or smaller species only tanks.  Most Tanganyika substrate spawners will not tolerate intraspecific (same species) tankmates beyond a single bonded pair such that an adult pair may attempt to eliminate intraspecific tankmates in all but the largest aquaria.  Breeding pairs will also occupy and defend rocky territories for spawning and rearing of fry sometimes to the exclusion of other species.  Large, well planned community tanks will allow coexistance and breeding in the presence of other species or breeding pairs may be maintained in smaller, pair-only breeding tanks.  A well-planned community tank will have several separate rock areas separated by open spaces.  Suitable tankmates for this species include cichlids in the genus Altolamprologus, Chalinochromis, Julidochromis, some "Lamprologus" (shell-dwellers), Cyprichromis, and in large aquaria Opthalmotilapia.  Most other Neolamprologus species should be avoided due the requirements for similar, relatively large territories; notably N. leleupi should be avoided due to possible hybridization concerns.  Pairs may be obtained by raising a group of juveniles until a pair forms, at which time removal of all others is usually required.  Females outside of the dominant pair can sometimes be maintained in larger aquaria and males spawning with multiple females have been reported, however behavior of any pair during spawning towards intraspecific tankmates can be unpredictable.  Reproduction is similar to other substrate spawning cichlids.  Spawning takes place in a darkened, cave-like area.  Overturned 4" clay flowerpots with a hole in the side just large enough to permit an adult parent work well for this.  A total of 30-70 relatively small, olive colored eggs attached to a surface are generally produced.  Parents will vigilantly guard the eggs and surrounding territory.  Hatching occurs in approximately 4-5 days and fry are free-swimming by 14-16 days.  Parents will continue to guard fry for an extended period of time in community aquariums; though fry may be excluded from the territory prior to a new spawning taking place.  Fry may be fed crushed prepared flake or pellet foods but frozen or hatched baby artemia or any of a number of other dried artemia/artemia replacement feeds, high in protein and lipid, will support increased growth rates and improved survival. 

Literature Cited

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