Neolamprologus tetracanthus

Neolamprologus tetracanthus is among the larger Lamprologines, with a powerful body adorned with three to five bold horizontal dark stripes on a cream-white background. Its common name alludes to the four prominent spines in the dorsal fin. Unlike the tiny shell dwellers, tetracanthus excavates beneath flat rocks and will commandeer large shells or crevices as a spawning site, moving substantial amounts of sand in the process.

Pairs form strong monogamous bonds and become exceptionally aggressive when breeding, capable of intimidating and injuring fish considerably larger than themselves. This is not a species for mixed Tanganyika community tanks except in very large aquaria with careful species selection. Its ideal companions are fast-moving mid-water species such as Cyprichromis that stay well clear of the benthic zone.

Tetracanthus is well suited to the experienced cichlid keeper who appreciates raw personality over compact size. The pair's parenting behaviour — with both male and female taking turns fanning eggs and herding wrigglers — is highly rewarding to observe. A 120 L aquarium with a sand-and-rock layout is the minimum appropriate setup for a breeding pair.

Water: pH 7.8–9.0, GH 10–20, KH 8–16, temperature 24–27 °C; strong filtration for larger bioload. Tank: 120 L minimum per pair; sandy substrate with large flat rocks; caves for spawning. Feeding: Carnivore; frozen Mysis, Artemia, earthworms; quality meaty cichlid pellets; twice daily. Breeding: Cave or rock-ledge spawner; both parents guard; remove all other bottom-dwellers during breeding. Compatibility: Only with fast mid-water tankmates; not suited to mixed Tanganyika communities.