Neolamprologus Multifasciatus (Neolamprologus multifasciatus) Care Guide

The smallest known cichlid in the world, reaching only 4cm. Lives in colonies centered around empty snail shells on the sandy lake bottom.

Overview

Neolamprologus multifasciatus is a species in the family Cichlidae. The smallest known cichlid in the world, reaching only 4cm. Lives in colonies centered around empty snail shells on the sandy lake bottom. Fascinating to observe as they rearrange shells and defend their tiny territories. Perfect for nano Tanganyika setups.

Taxonomy

Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Neolamprologus
Scientific name: Neolamprologus multifasciatus
Other names: Multi, Shell Dweller
Origin: Africa

Habitat

Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, where it inhabits vast beds of empty Neothauma tanganyicense snail shells on sandy bottoms at depths of 5-30 m. The smallest cichlid in the world; entire colonies live, breed and shelter inside the shells.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 40 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 7.5-9
GH: 10-20 °dGH
Water flow: low
Adult size: 3-4 cm
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Recommended group size: ≥ 6
Difficulty: beginner

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: semi-aggressive
Swimming level: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Synodontis Petricola, Nerite Snail
Avoid with: Large Fish, Aggressive Cichlids, Other Shell Dwellers

Breeding

Breeding strategy: shell-spawner
Breeding difficulty: beginner