The Cylinder Cichlid Neolamprologus cylindricus also known as;; Cylindricus Cichlid, Golden-Head Cylinder Cichlid, or Gold Head Cylindricus, is a handsome, hardy fish from the south eastern part of Lake Tanganyika, Africa. It is a more recently described cichlid species that is similar in shape and behavior to its close relative, the well known Lemon Cichlid Neolamprologus leleupi. It is as brightly colored as the Leleupi but it also has a very striking patterning with bold black and white bands. Because of its elongated cylindrical body shape, it is also commonly known as the Cylindricus Cichlid. This is a very attractive fish that adds a unique color palate to any aquarium. They are hardy and easy to care for as long as regular water changes are done and are ready eaters.
There are several slightly different color morphs, but all the varieties have ten dark vertical stripes along the body. Some also have blue edging on the fins and just under the eye. In each variety the males and females are both colored the same but those from the northern part of their range have lighter, brownish black bands. The more southerly specimens have darker black bands, and their bands are also broader. Some from the south will also have more yellow coloring between the bands rather than being white. This color morph is known as the Golden-head Cylinder Cichlid, Gold Head Cylindricus, or Goldheaded Cylinder Cichlid.