Lamprologus Ocellatus care guide
Lamprologus Ocellatus (Lamprologus ocellatus) — minimum tank 40 L, temperature 24-27 °C, pH 7.8-9.
Overview
The Ocellated Shell-dweller (Lamprologus ocellatus) is a small cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, reaching only about 6 cm. Each adult occupies and defends an empty Neothauma snail shell as a home and breeding site. The compact golden body is marked by an iridescent eye-spot pattern on the flank.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Lamprologus
- Scientific name: Lamprologus ocellatus
- Common synonyms: Gold Occie, Shell Dweller
Habitat
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, where it inhabits sandy substrates littered with empty Neothauma snail shells in the lower littoral. Tanganyika water is hard and alkaline — pH 8.5-9.2, KH 12-20 — with stable warm temperatures and very high dissolved oxygen.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 40 L (10.6 US gal)
- Adult size: 4-6 cm
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 7.8-9
- GH: 10-20 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 4-6 years
Diet
A micro-carnivore that picks small crustaceans and zooplankton from the water column and substrate near its shell. In aquaria it accepts frozen Artemia, cyclops and mysis and small slow-sinking pellets; food taken near the shell is preferred.
Compatibility
Territorial around its shell but peaceful elsewhere. Best kept as one male with two to three females, each with her own shell, in a 40+ L tank with several centimetres of sand and a "field" of shells. Compatible with calm Tanganyikans such as Cyprichromis or other small shell-dwellers in larger volumes.
Breeding
A monogamous (within the territory) cave spawner. The female lays eggs deep inside the shell and guards the brood; the male defends the surrounding territory. Fry emerge after about a week and stay near the shells.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: assessed and categorised as Least Concern. Lake Tanganyika exports are regulated by riparian countries; the species is widely captive-bred for the aquarium trade.