Neolamprologus multifasciatus

Neolamprologus multifasciatus

Neolamprologus multifasciatus (Neolamprologus multifasciatus) — Intermediate care, Aggressive, under Cichlid. Minimum tank in the app: 21 US gal min; aim for 75–81°F and pH 7.5–9. Details below match the app.

Neolamprologus multifasciatus (Neolamprologus multifasciatus) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelIntermediate
TemperamentAggressive
Min tank size21 US gal min
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

Plan for at least 21 US gal min of water—that is the minimum in our database for a workable setup, not a challenge to crowd fish. Aim to hold 75–81°F and pH 7.5–9 without daily drama. These fish use the Bottom zone most, so put wood, plants, or open water there accordingly.

What Do Neolamprologus multifasciatus Eat?

We record diet as Carnivore (micro/live foods). Offer a few food types that match—dry, frozen, or gel—and swap now and then. One flake every day for a year is how dull color and gut trouble creep in.

Neolamprologus multifasciatus Tank Mates

Temperament in the data: Aggressive. Smallest cichlid species. Snail shell dweller from Lake Tanganyika. Colony spawner; provide many shells. Plug your full stock list into the stocking calculator—single-species compatibility scores are hints, not a whole-tank verdict.

Are Neolamprologus multifasciatus Good for Beginners?

We rate this as intermediate. Budget time for testing, maintenance, and watching behaviour if the water looks fine but the fish do not. If this would be your very first tank, start with something more forgiving and come back to this one.

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

Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.