One of the most popular of the shell-dwelling species of small cichlids found in Africa’s Lake Tanganyika, the Multi Shell Dweller makes for a unique display fish due to their vivid pattern and bold, fascinating behavior. In the wild, these dwarf cichlids inhabit dense fields of empty snail shells at the bottom of the lake, where each fish will stake a territory in an individual shell and defend it from others. In the aquarium, they are hardy and adaptable but prefer alkaline water and should be provided with shells or similar structure for them to establish territories in.
Neolamprologus multifasciatus
Origin: Aquacultured Asia
Diet: Omnivore and micropredator, will readily accept most small frozen or prepared foods
Adult Size: 1.75″
Recommended Tank Size: 10 gallons
Compatibility: Territorial around its shell but otherwise peaceful, especially toward non-cichlid tankmates
Preferred Water Parameters
pH: 7.5 – 8.5
Temp: 76-82F
Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: <30ppm
