Gold Ocellatus Care Guide
Gold Ocellatus is a yellow colour form of Neolamprologus ocellatus, a pugnacious dwarf shell-dweller from Lake Tanganyika for nano tanks.
Overview
Gold Ocellatus is a gold or yellow colour form of Neolamprologus ocellatus, a dwarf shell-dwelling cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. Each fish lives in and defends a single empty snail shell. Despite its small size, it is pugnacious and is known to defend its shell against the hands of aquarists.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Neolamprologus
- Scientific name: Neolamprologus ocellatus "Gold"
- Common synonyms: Lamprologus ocellatus 'Gold'
Habitat
Neolamprologus ocellatus is endemic to Lake Tanganyika, living among empty snail shells on sandy bottoms. The lake's hard, alkaline water shapes its care needs. Wild fish occupy shells individually, in loose colonies.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.5-9.2
- GH: 12-25 °dGH
- Substrate: a thin sand layer with one shell per fish
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
Diet
It is a carnivore that feeds on small invertebrates. In the aquarium it accepts small frozen and prepared foods offered near the shells, fed a couple of times daily.
Compatibility
Although not broadly aggressive in captivity, it fiercely defends its shell. It suits a Tanganyika community with Cyprichromis, Julidochromis, other shell-dwellers and Synodontis petricola, provided each fish has its own shell. Avoid mbuna, Tropheus and aggressive haps.
Breeding
Eggs are laid inside the shell and hatch in about three days, with fry free-swimming within a week. A male may spawn with more than one female. Captive breeding is rated easy.