Neolamprologus ocellatus "Blue" Care Guide
Neolamprologus ocellatus is a dwarf shell-dwelling cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, reaching about 6 cm; the "Blue" form is a wild-type colour morph for nano tanks.
Overview
Neolamprologus ocellatus is a dwarf shell-dwelling cichlid described by Steindachner in 1909 and endemic to Lake Tanganyika. The "Blue" form is the greyish-blue wild colour variant. According to Wikipedia these fish live in snail shells and form loose colonies, and despite their tiny size are noted for intelligence and bold defence of their shells.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Neolamprologus
- Scientific name: Neolamprologus ocellatus
- Author: Steindachner, 1909
- Trade form: "Blue" wild-type colour morph
Habitat
The species is endemic to Lake Tanganyika, living on sandy bottoms covered with empty snail shells, particularly those of Neothauma. Aquarium guidance from Aquarium Co-Op notes Lake Tanganyika is highly alkaline (around pH 8.7-9.4) and that ocellatus are sensitive to ammonia and nitrite, requiring good filtration.
Tank requirements
- Maximum size: about 5.8 cm (2.3 in) (Wikipedia)
- Temperature: 23-27 °C (73-81 °F) (Wikipedia)
- pH: at least 8.0-8.3 (Aquarium Co-Op)
- KH: about 12-14 (Aquarium Co-Op)
- One snail shell per fish on a sand bed
Diet
Wikipedia describes the species as omnivorous, accepting flake, small pellets, frozen foods and live brine shrimp or daphnia. Small frequent feedings suit its size.
Compatibility
Wikipedia notes it is not generally aggressive in captivity but vigorously defends the shells that form its territory, and may even nip at an aquarist's hands. It is best kept in nano Tanganyika tanks with other small shell-dwellers and peaceful open-water species, away from large aggressive cichlids.
Breeding
It is a shell-spawner; Wikipedia reports that males may spawn with more than one female in or near the females' shells, eggs hatch in about three days, and fry become free-swimming after roughly one week.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern.