Comments: This is a small elongated Cichlid species that is quite a nice aquarium fish.
Origin: The ancestors of Vittatus lived in Lake Tanganyika. But now they live in aquariums all over the world.
Maximum Size: In aquariums, they can grow to be about 3.25" long, including their tails, which is a nice size for aquariums.
Behaviors: Vittatus are usually mildly aggressive and can be more aggressive to each other, and when getting ready to lay eggs and protecting their babies.
Compatibility: Some recommended tank mates include other small Tanganyika Cichlids like Julidochromis but not Cichlids from Lake Malawi nor from Lake Victoria.
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Temperature: Vittatus live best from about 75 to 80-degrees F. with 78 being perhaps ideal.
Click here to learn about aquarium temperature, aquarium thermometers, and aquarium heaters.
Feeding: small Premium Fish Food Pellets is a good food for these Cichlids to eat.
In their natural habitat Vittatus eat small crustaceans and invertebrates.
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Water Conditions: These fish can adapt to most types of water, and so as usual it's best not to try to change the pH or alkalinity.
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Aquarium Size: Cylindricus will eventually need to live in an aquarium with at least 40-gallons of water. Each Cichlid will need at least 3-gallons of water.
Decor: Cylindricus do not need gravel, and a layer of gravel more than 1/4" thick will usually fill with bits of uneaten food that will contaminate the water.
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Live plants are beautiful and improve the water quality, but most aquariums with Cylindricus do not have live plants.
Aquarium Filter: Bio-Wheel Filters are highly recommended. Most 40-gallon aquariums need a Penguin 350B Filter, and this is sort of the minimum set up for Cylindricus.
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The addition of Lava Rocks will keep nitrates in the ideal range. Click here to learn more about using Lava Rocks in aquariums.
Life Span: These Vittatus can live for several years. Keep the water conditions excellent and feed them premium foods, and they'll most likely breed and produce the next generation of fish for your aquarium.
Gender: It's usually difficult to distinguish males from females. Males from the spawn eventually grow bigger.
Breeding: Cylindricus lay eggs in a cave or a shell and carefully protect their eggs and then their babies.
Click here for a lot more about breeding various tropical fish in aquariums.
Popularity: These Cichlids are not common.
Names: Their scientific name is Telmatochromis vittatus.
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