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Sixbar lamprologus (Neolamprologus sexfasciatus) — Cichlidae

Sixbar lamprologus

Neolamprologus sexfasciatus
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Sixbar lamprologus (Neolamprologus sexfasciatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; rocky slopes.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The sixbar lamprologus is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a stocky, yellowish-white body with six conspicuous dark vertical bars. It lives along rocky slopes of the lake, seeking shelter among rocks and crevices. Stomach analysis indicates a carnivorous diet of small invertebrates and small fishes. Like many Tanganyika cichlids the species is territorial and guards its brood. The sixbar lamprologus is popular in the aquarium for its handsome markings and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sixbar lamprologus?

The Sixbar lamprologus has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Six striking dark vertical bars; territorial rock-dweller of Lake Tanganyika.

Where does the Sixbar lamprologus live?

The Sixbar lamprologus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; rocky slopes.

How big does the Sixbar lamprologus get?

The Sixbar lamprologus grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Sixbar lamprologus dangerous to humans?

No, the Sixbar lamprologus is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Sixbar lamprologus edible?

The Sixbar lamprologus is not usually eaten.

More photos

Sixbar lamprologus (Neolamprologus sexfasciatus) — Cichlidae — 2
SAIAB (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — SAIAB
Sixbar lamprologus (Neolamprologus sexfasciatus) — Cichlidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Guérin Nicolas (messages) (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Sixbar lamprologus (Neolamprologus sexfasciatus) — Cichlidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Oskar King, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Sixbar lamprologus (Neolamprologus sexfasciatus) — Cichlidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Howard, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))

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All data

Identification

English name
Sixbar lamprologus sourced
Scientific name
Neolamprologus sexfasciatus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
15 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold
Pattern
Vertical bars
Tail shape
Straight
Mouth position
Terminal
Lips
Thick / fleshy
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; rocky slopes.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates and small fishes sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary
Territorial
Yes
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Six striking dark vertical bars; territorial rock-dweller of Lake Tanganyika. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Neolamprologus

More from the family Cichlidae

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