Multi shell-dweller
Neolamprologus multifasciatus is the smallest known cichlid, with males barely reaching 4 cm and females smaller still. In Lake Tanganyika it lives over vast beds of empty Neothauma snail shells, each fish claiming a shell as home and shelter. It is a colonial breeder, so a small group thrives in a modest tank provided a deep sand bed and plenty of empty escargot or snail shells are supplied. Despite its size it is feisty, endlessly excavating sand and squabbling over shells, yet harmless to larger tankmates. Keep hard, alkaline water with a fine sand substrate. Feed small carnivorous fare such as baby brine shrimp, cyclops, crushed flake and micro-pellets. Its constant digging, shell-shuffling and easy colony breeding make it a rewarding, beginner-friendly Tanganyikan species.
Water parameters
| Temperature | 24 – 27 °C |
|---|---|
| pH | 7.8 – 9 |
| Carbonate hardness (KH) | 10 – 18 °dKH |
| General hardness (GH) | 8 – 20 °dGH |
Tank & stocking
| Minimum tank volume | 40 L |
|---|---|
| Volume budget per individual | 8 L — adds up with tank-mates |
| Minimum group size | 6 individuals (shoaling) |
“Minimum tank volume” is a reasonable floor, not an absolute limit. The per-individual budget is used by the Aqua app to estimate how heavily a tank is stocked.
Frequently asked questions
What size aquarium does Multi shell-dweller need?
Provide at least 40 litres for a small group to keep Multi shell-dweller in good conditions.
What water parameters does Multi shell-dweller need?
A temperature of 24–27 °C, pH 7.8–9.
Is Multi shell-dweller peaceful or aggressive?
Its temperament is semi-aggressive.
What does Multi shell-dweller eat?
Its diet: carnivore.
How many Multi shell-dweller should be kept together?
It is a social species: keep a group of at least 6.
How big does Multi shell-dweller get?
Around 4 cm as an adult.
Is Multi shell-dweller suitable for beginners?
Care level: beginner.
Planning a tank with Multi shell-dweller?
AquaTender turns these parameters into live advice: it checks whether your tank is big enough, how heavily it's stocked, and whether your fish are compatible — then tracks water tests, photos and maintenance for you.
Fish from the same biotope
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