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Neolamprologus multifasciatus Least Concern

Shell dwellers, shellies

Stats

Family

Cichlidae

Genus

Neolamprologus

Size

4.50 cm

Males can grow to about 5 cm, females generally stay about 2.5-3 cm

Temperament

Aggressive, Semi-aggressive, Other

Most aggressive when breeding, will do anything to keep other fish away from their fry.

Diet

Omnivore

Tank Size

60.00 L

60.00 cm x 30.00 cm

Temperature

24.0 C - 30.0 C

Parameters

pH: ideally 7.5 to 8.5, but mine do great and are breeding at about 7. Prefer harder water.

Level

Bottom

Other Information

Shell dwellers will completely redo any aquascape that you build. They should have a thick layer of sand (7cm+) to make their 'nest' in. They will move this sand constantly until satisfied. Tank mates that have worked for me are wrestling halfbeaks and, if the tank is tall enough, most rainbowfish work well too.

Breeding

Spawning Method

Egg-layer (Parental Care)

Mature females will attract males to a chosen snail shell. The female will lay her eggs inside and the male will fertilize them from just outside the shell. After this, the female will guard the eggs and later fry, while the male guards the general area keeping other fish away.

Spawn Size

10 fry

Breeding Season or Trigger

A healthy environment and possibly a water change with slightly cooler water. Mine spawned on their own once they were comfortable. This took about a month or so.

Fry Care

Should readily take finely crushed flakes once free-swimming.

Locations

Photos

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neolamprologus multifasciatus Image Credit: Elias's Fishroom

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