Although the Five-Bar Cichlid Cichlid has the great colors of a Frontosa Cichlid, it has just a fraction of the size. It has a dramatic color pattern of bold black bars contrasted against a light silvery blue background, and is highlighted with gorgeous blue tinged fins. It can be housed in a smaller tank than the Frontosa and watching its antics is a reward in itself. When a pair breeds they will take on the same protection duties of their fry as some of the American Cichlids, and viciously guard them.

The Five-Bar Cichlid is easy to care for as long as mandatory water changes are done (and difficult if they are neglected). They like a sandy to very small sized substrate along with caves made from rocks, highly porous rock works well. They also enjoy plants in the background or middle ground.

They can be kept alone or in pairs, but will kill any other Five-Bar Cichlid in the tank.As they will become extremely aggressive and will occupy a large territory when spawning and brooding, pairs are best kept in a species tank or with fish that can take the abuse they will dish out. They are not as aggressive when not spawning, so juveniles or as a single specimen may not cause a ruckus. In this situation they may be successfully kept with other smart and fast moving fish of similar size. Just make sure the tank is very large.