Multi shell dweller

Water parameters

Tolerated range for this species. Aim for the middle of each band rather than the extremes.

Tank and habitat

Substrate: sand.

Behavior

Plant interaction: digs up plants.

Feeding

Micro pellets, crushed flake, frozen baby brine shrimp. Tiny mouths; food needs to be small enough to fit. Will scavenge anything that sinks to the bottom.

Compatibility

• The smallest cichlid commonly kept. A colony in a 40 L tank is one of the most fascinating setups in the hobby
• Need empty snail shells (Neothauma tanganyicense in the wild; escargot shells from the grocery store work fine). Each fish claims a shell and defends it aggressively against neighbors
• Colonies self-regulate; dominant pairs breed, subordinates wait. Population grows steadily and they'll fill whatever space you give them
• Sand substrate is mandatory. Multis bury and unbury shells constantly; gravel prevents this behavior and stresses them
• Not compatible with anything that threatens the shells. Larger cichlids, loaches, and catfish that investigate shells will be attacked by fish a tenth their size

Origin and habitat

Neolamprologus multifasciatus (commonly called "multies" or "shellies") is endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, found on sandy sediments and Neothauma shell beds throughout the margins of the lake. Described by Boulenger in 1906. Inhabits depths of roughly 5–15 m where vast beds of empty Neothauma tanganyicense snail shells have accumulated over thousands of years, preserved by the lake's alkaline water. The smallest cichlid in Lake Tanganyika, and possibly the smallest cichlid species in the world. Males reach about 5 cm in aquariums (only about 3 cm standard length in the wild); females are even smaller at roughly 2.5 cm in aquariums. Lives in territorial groups consisting of one dominant male with several adult females and their juveniles, sometimes with subordinate males; the dominant male ranges across the entire group territory while females stay within distinct areas. Each fish defends its own shell fiercely, even against much larger rivals, while the group jointly defends the overall territory from outsiders. Populations can number in the tens of thousands, carpeting the lake floor. Unlike most cichlids, they are colonial and tolerate conspecific neighbors at close range as long as each individual has its own shell. Around 24 species of lamprologine cichlids in Lake Tanganyika use abandoned shells, though most are not obligate shell-breeders. IUCN Least Concern.

Breeding

Breeds readily in captivity. Males defend a cluster of empty snail shells (Neothauma tanganyicensis shells are the natural substrate; escargot shells from a grocery store work). Females occupy individual shells and lay 5-15 eggs inside. The male fertilizes and the female guards. Fry emerge from the shell as miniature adults. Colonies establish a hierarchy and breed continuously. One of the most fascinating breeding behaviors in freshwater fish.

Common problems

Need appropriate shells. Without them, they can't breed or feel secure. Provide 2-3 shells per fish. The substrate must be sand so they can bury and rearrange shells (they do this constantly). Hard, alkaline water is required (pH 7.5-9.0, GH 10-25) to match Lake Tanganyika conditions. Very small (3–5 cm) but surprisingly aggressive for their size; they defend shell clusters fiercely.

Bioload

Further reading

• How to cycle a fish tank
• Stocking ideas by tank size