Fourspine cichlid (Neolamprologus tetracanthus)

Scientific name: Neolamprologus tetracanthus Boulenger, 1899

The Fourspine cichlid (Neolamprologus tetracanthus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 23–25°C (73–77°F). Native range: Africa, Endemic to Lake Tanganyika where it is widely distributed.

Fourspine cichlid care at a glance

Temperature: 23–25°C (73–77°F)

Biology

Sand-dweller. Feeds on mollusks, insect larvae, and fish. N. tetracanthus is not a typical crusher of mollusk shells but it is able to suck the mollusk out of its shell.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Neolamprologus tetracanthus
Family: Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 20.0
Depth range: 7 m (23 ft)
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 7.5 - 8.0; dH range: 12 - 15 benthopelagic; depth range ? - 7 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Africa: Endemic to Lake Tanganyika where it is widely distributed.
Conservation status (IUCN): Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquarium: commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)