Brevis shell-dweller

Neolamprologus brevis is one of the smallest Tanganyikan shell-dwelling cichlids, living over sandy floors littered with empty snail shells. Unusually, a male and female often share a single shell, making it an ideal species for a nano hard-water aquarium. It is peaceful and shy but fiercely defends the immediate area around its shell, so it does best kept as a pair with a scattering of Neothauma or escargot shells over a deep sand bed. Water must be hard and alkaline with high carbonate hardness and stable warmth, mirroring the mineral-rich lake. Feed small carnivorous foods: frozen cyclops, brine shrimp, daphnia and a quality micro-pellet. Suitable tankmates are other small Tanganyikans that occupy the upper water column, such as Cyprichromis, avoiding larger rock-dwellers. Provide plenty of shells so pairs can choose and rearrange their homes.