An elegant but fiercely territorial African cichlid native to Lake Tanganyika. Known in the hobby as the Daffodil Cichlid, they are famous for their unique 'stepped' colony breeding behavior, where multiple generations of older siblings help raise the newest batches of fry.
Neolamprologus Pulcher At a Glance
Neolamprologus Pulcher Tank Requirements
Will Neolamprologus Pulcher fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Neolamprologus Pulcher needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Neolamprologus Pulcher against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Neolamprologus Pulcher Water Parameters
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Neolamprologus Pulcher Temperament & Compatibility
Neolamprologus Pulcher Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard / Daffodil
The standard morph of Neolamprologus pulcher. Monomorphic (males and females look nearly identical). Best kept in a species-only tank where they can form their complex family colonies without murdering other fish to protect their fry.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Standard, Wild Type, Daffodil
Neolamprologus Pulcher Care Guide Summary
The Neolamprologus Pulcher, scientifically known as Neolamprologus pulcher, belongs to the Cichlids - African family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 8 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as aggressive, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Neolamprologus Pulcher requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 27°C, with a pH range of 8–9 and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Neolamprologus Pulcher is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. The Neolamprologus Pulcher is typically available in one standard form.
Neolamprologus Pulcher Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Neolamprologus Pulcher, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Neolamprologus Pulcher Compatibility Notes
Classified as aggressive, the Neolamprologus Pulcher is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, ornamental shrimp are not safe companions, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, and territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Neolamprologus Pulcher Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Neolamprologus Pulcher.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 17 more tank sizes
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Frequently Asked Questions About Neolamprologus Pulcher
How big does Neolamprologus Pulcher get?
Neolamprologus Pulcher (Neolamprologus pulcher) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 8 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Neolamprologus Pulcher need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Neolamprologus Pulcher. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Neolamprologus Pulcher need?
Neolamprologus Pulcher thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–27°C, a pH between 8 and 9, and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Neolamprologus Pulcher peaceful or aggressive?
Neolamprologus Pulcher is classified as aggressive with an aggression score of 7 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
Can Neolamprologus Pulcher live alone?
Yes, Neolamprologus Pulcher can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Neolamprologus Pulcher safe with shrimp?
No. Neolamprologus Pulcher is known to eat ornamental shrimp and is not recommended for shrimp tanks. Even larger shrimp species like Amano Shrimp may be at risk.
Does Neolamprologus Pulcher have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Neolamprologus Pulcher benefits from sand (sifters) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Neolamprologus Pulcher
These plants pair well with Neolamprologus Pulcher based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Gillet's Anubias
Anubias gilletii
Java Fern
Leptochilus pteropus
Pothos
Epipremnum aureum
Fish Similar to Neolamprologus Pulcher
Neolamprologus Fasciatus
Neolamprologus fasciatus
An ambush predator endemic to Lake Tanganyika. It is a specialized shrimp-eater and piscivore, famous for a unique hunting technique where it remains completely motionless before striking its prey. Unlike many Tanganyikan cichlids, they are not strictly rock-bound and often utilize empty snail shells on sandy bottoms for spawning.
Fairy Cichlid (Brichardi)
Neolamprologus brichardi
An elegant but fiercely territorial Lake Tanganyika cichlid. They are famous for their complex social structure, forming massive, multi-generational colonies where older siblings help defend and raise new fry. Due to their extreme territoriality when breeding, they are best kept in a species-only tank, as they will aggressively eliminate non-colony tank mates.
Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi)
Neolamprologus leleupi
A striking, torpedo-shaped cichlid endemic to the rocky shores of Lake Tanganyika. Famous for its intense yellow or orange coloration. They are highly territorial cave-dwellers that require hard, alkaline water. Due to their aggression toward their own kind, they are best kept as a solitary specimen or a confirmed breeding pair.
Horei Cichlid
Ctenochromis horei
A robust and highly aggressive haplochromine cichlid native to Lake Tanganyika. Known for its striking coloration and dynamic, albeit violent, territorial behavior. Adults are opportunistic predators and piscivores. They are maternal mouthbrooders, and males are fiercely intolerant of other males. They require hard, alkaline water.
Altolamprologus Compressiceps
Altolamprologus compressiceps
A highly specialized, predatory African Cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. It features an extremely laterally compressed (paper-thin) body and steep forehead, designed to slip into narrow rocky crevices to hunt fry and invertebrates. They are notorious for their very slow growth rate and heavily 'armored' scales.
Cyprichromis Leptosoma
Cyprichromis leptosoma
A unique, pelagic (open-water) schooling cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. Unlike rock-dwelling African cichlids, 'Cyps' live in massive shoals in the open water column where males display to females in spectacular 3D territories. They require very hard, alkaline water and a long tank (minimum 4 feet / 120cm) to accommodate their active swimming behavior.