Snail-shell mbuna

The snail-shell mbuna is an unusual sand-dwelling species from Lake Malawi that shelters and breeds inside the empty shells of Lanistes snails scattered across open sandy flats, an atypical habitat for a mbuna. It is a modest fish of around 8 cm, pale blue-grey with faint barring, the males more colorful when in condition. Comparatively mild-tempered but still territorial around its chosen shell, it should be kept over a deep sand bed with plenty of snail shells or small caves, one male to several females. It suits a Malawi community with other moderately sized, not overly boisterous cichlids. Provide hard, alkaline water, pH 7.8 to 8.6, at 24 to 27 C, with efficient filtration. An opportunistic omnivore that sifts sand, it accepts quality cichlid pellets, frozen foods, and a share of vegetable matter.