Neolamprologus multifasciatus Care Guide
Neolamprologus multifasciatus is one of the smallest cichlids, a Lake Tanganyika shell-dweller that breeds in empty snail shells and suits nano aquariums.
Overview
Neolamprologus multifasciatus is a shell-dwelling cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika and one of the smallest cichlids known. The body is brown with fine vertical bars. The species lives in dense colonies built around empty gastropod shells, which it uses for shelter and breeding. The Tanzania variant is one of several regional forms in the hobby.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Neolamprologus
- Scientific name: Neolamprologus multifasciatus "Tanzania"
- Common synonyms: Multi Tanzania, Multi Shellie
Habitat
The species occupies sandy margins of Lake Tanganyika with beds of empty Neothauma snail shells. Colonies can number thousands of individuals across an extensive shell field. The fish burrow sand to position shells, shelter inside them and breed within them. Shell choice depends on intactness, size and aperture width.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 50 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.5-9.2
- GH: 12-25 °dGH
- Substrate: deep sand with many empty snail shells
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
Diet
In the wild the species feeds primarily on zooplankton that drifts past the colony in water currents. In the aquarium it accepts small frozen and prepared foods sized for a tiny mouth. Several small feedings per day suit its high-activity foraging.
Compatibility
The species is peaceful toward dissimilar fish but defends its own shell territory vigorously. Suitable Tanganyika companions include open-water Cyprichromis, Julidochromis and other shell-dwellers, plus rock-dwelling catfish such as Synodontis petricola. Larger or aggressive cichlids such as mbuna and Tropheus should be avoided.
Breeding
Breeding groups commonly contain one to three males, with one dominant, and up to five females, each holding a sub-territory with shells. Females lay small broods inside shells; fry hatch within roughly 6 to 10 days and stay attached before becoming free-swimming. Breeding in the colony is reliable.
Conservation status
The species is listed as Least Concern, reflecting stable populations and adaptable use of widespread shell habitat in Lake Tanganyika.