Neolamprologus similis Care Guide
Neolamprologus similis is a tiny shell-dwelling cichlid from Lake Tanganyika that forms colonies in empty snail shells and suits nano tanks.
Overview
Neolamprologus similis is a small shell-dwelling cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, described by Buscher in 1992. It resembles N. multifasciatus but its vertical white stripes extend onto the head. It is copper-coloured and forms colonies in empty snail shells, making it well suited to nano Tanganyika setups.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Neolamprologus
- Scientific name: Neolamprologus similis
- Common synonyms: Lamprologus similis
Habitat
The species is endemic to Lake Tanganyika, recorded along the shores of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania. It inhabits sandy areas with beds of empty Neothauma snail shells, where the alkaline water typical of the lake favours shell preservation.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.5-9.2
- GH: 12-25 °dGH
- Substrate: sand with several empty snail shells
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
Diet
It is a micropredator that feeds on small invertebrates and zooplankton near its shell colony. In the aquarium it accepts small frozen and prepared foods offered near the substrate.
Compatibility
Although semi-aggressive in defending its shell territory, it is suitable for a community of other Tanganyika species such as Cyprichromis, Julidochromis, other shell-dwellers and Synodontis petricola. It should not be kept with mbuna, Tropheus or aggressive haps.
Breeding
Breeding occurs inside the shells. The species forms colonies in which males tolerate male offspring until they become competitors, while female offspring may eventually be courted. Captive breeding is rated easy.