Temporalis Shell Form (Telmatochromis temporalis "Shell") Care Guide

Dwarf shell-dwelling form of T. temporalis that lives among empty Neothauma shells in sand. Reaches 6 cm. Brown body with iridescent blue eyes.

Overview

Telmatochromis temporalis "Shell" is a species in the family Cichlidae. Dwarf shell-dwelling form of T. temporalis that lives among empty Neothauma shells in sand. Reaches 6 cm. Brown body with iridescent blue eyes. Peaceful and a great companion for community Tanganyika setups.

Taxonomy

Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Telmatochromis
Scientific name: Telmatochromis temporalis "Shell"
Other names: Dwarf Temporalis
Origin: Africa, Lake Tanganyika

Habitat

A dwarf, shell-dwelling population of Telmatochromis temporalis endemic to Lake Tanganyika. Lives among accumulations of empty Neothauma snail shells on sandy bottoms, into which it retreats and breeds. Substantially smaller than the rock-dwelling form of the species.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 80 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.5-9.2
GH: 12-25 °dGH
Adult size: 5-7 cm
Lifespan: 5-8 years
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as carnivore. 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: peaceful
Swimming level: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Cyprichromis, Julidochromis, Other shellies, Synodontis petricola
Avoid with: Mbuna, Tropheus, Aggressive haps