Intermediate carePeaceful but territorial around shellsSchool of 6+Africa / South America

Neolamprologus multifasciatus

Neolamprologus multifasciatus

The Neolamprologus multifasciatus (Neolamprologus multifasciatus) is a peaceful but territorial around shells fish that's a good step up once you have a little experience. Give it a tank of at least 80 litres (21 US gallons), water held at 75-81°F, and a pH of 7.5-9. Always keep a group of at least 6 - they feel safest in numbers.

Care levelIntermediate

TemperamentPeaceful but territorial around shells

Min tank size21 US gal

pH range7.5-9

Temperature75-81°F

Max size1.6 in (4.0 cm)

Captive lifespan8-15 years

SchoolingYes · 6+ recommended

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

Africa / South America (varies)

Africa
South America

Regional colours match the stocking calculator's origin map.

Neolamprologus multifasciatus Tank Setup

Give them at least 80 litres (21 US gallons). Cichlids are territorial and produce plenty of waste, so strong filtration and some rocks or wood to break up sight lines both help. Aim for 75-81°F and a pH around 7.5-9. Always keep a group of at least 6 of their own kind - kept alone or in pairs they tend to turn shy, nippy, or wash out in colour.

What Do Neolamprologus multifasciatus Eat?

They have small mouths, so stick to small foods: crushed flake, fine granules, and now and then a treat of frozen or live foods such as daphnia or baby brine shrimp. Anything too large simply gets ignored.

Neolamprologus multifasciatus Tank Mates

Smallest cichlid species. Snail shell dweller from Lake Tanganyika. Colony spawner; provide many shells. The Neolamprologus multifasciatus is peaceful but territorial around shells, which is the first thing to weigh up when you choose tank mates. It's a shoaling fish, so settle a group of 6 or more of its own kind before adding anything else - a stressed, lonely fish is far more likely to nip or hide. Before you buy, run your full stocking list through our stocking calculator. It weighs temperament, adult size, and water needs together, which a single species page can't do on its own.

Are Neolamprologus multifasciatus Good for Beginners?

Doable once you test water regularly and catch problems before fish look sick. If this is your first tank, pick something more forgiving and come back later.

Neolamprologus multifasciatus - frequently asked questions

What size tank do Neolamprologus multifasciatus need?

Neolamprologus multifasciatus need a tank of at least 80 litres (21 US gallons). A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable, and gives them more room to settle in and behave naturally.

How many Neolamprologus multifasciatus should I keep together?

Keep a group of at least 6. Neolamprologus multifasciatus are a shoaling species and become stressed, lose their colour, or hide when kept singly or in pairs.

What water parameters do Neolamprologus multifasciatus need?

Keep them at 75-81°F with a pH of 7.5-9, steady rather than chased to an exact figure. In a cycled tank, ammonia and nitrite should both read 0 ppm, with nitrate kept low through regular water changes.

What do Neolamprologus multifasciatus eat?

Neolamprologus multifasciatus have small mouths, so they need small foods. Crushed flake and fine granules form the staple, with the occasional treat of frozen or live foods such as daphnia or baby brine shrimp. Feed small amounts once or twice a day, and remove anything they don't eat.

Are Neolamprologus multifasciatus good for beginners?

Neolamprologus multifasciatus are best for keepers with a little experience. They are manageable once you test water regularly and catch problems early; a complete beginner may prefer something more forgiving first.

Common mistakes with Neolamprologus multifasciatus

Buying fewer than 6 - Neolamprologus multifasciatuss need a proper school to feel secure; isolated individuals hide, fail to colour up, or become stressed.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.