Moderate

Shell Dweller

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Neolamprologus multifasciatus

Complete Shell Dweller care guide covering omnivore diet requirements, semi-aggressive temperament, minimum 20 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Moderate.

Shell Dweller

Quick Answer

Neolamprologus multifasciatus, the Multie or Shell Dweller, is a small cichlid from Lake Tanganyika. It requires a minimum 20 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 7.8 - 8.6 and temperature range of 24-26°C. As a omnivore with semi-aggressive tendencies, careful tankmate selection is essential.

Intro

Neolamprologus multifasciatus, the Multie or Shell Dweller, is a small cichlid from Lake Tanganyika. They live in colonies of empty snail shells, each fish claiming its own shell.

Setup

A 20-gallon long tank with a sand substrate and at least 3-5 empty escargot or snail shells per fish. Hard, alkaline water is essential. Good filtration but gentle flow.

Feeding

Omnivorous; eats flakes, sinking pellets, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, and small live foods. Feed small portions multiple times a day.

Compatibility

Best kept in a species-only tank. They are colonial and breed readily. If mixing, choose other Tanganyikan fish that stay away from bottom shells.

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Tank Position
Bottom
Water Temp
24-26°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
7.8 - 8.6

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Omnivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Continue Learning

Recommended Tools

Fish Compatibility Calculator fish compatibility

Health & Disease

Ich (White Spot Disease) common disease • all fish

Related Guides

Understanding pH in Aquariums water parameters • ph

Similar Species

African Leaf Fish Care Guide: Diet & Tank Mates semanticSimilarity Angelfish Care Guide: Tank Size & Diet | The Aquarium Calculators semanticSimilarity Badis Care Guide: Tank Size & Compatibility semanticSimilarity

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Shell Dweller Cichlids should be kept together?
Start with a colony of 6 to 10 individuals in a 20-gallon (75 liter) long tank with a footprint of 30x12 inches (75x30 cm). Shell dwellers (Neolamprologus multifasciatus) establish small territories around empty snail shells and breed readily. Provide 3-5 empty escargot shells per fish, arranged in clusters. Maintain a ratio of 1 male to 2-3 females. In smaller tanks (10 gallons), keep 3-4 individuals. Tank length must exceed 24 inches (60 cm) to allow territory establishment. Sand substrate depth of 1-2 inches is mandatory for shell movement.
What are the exact water parameters for Shell Dweller Cichlids?
Target pH 7.8 - 8.6, General Hardness 10 - 18 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 8 - 12 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 250 - 450 ppm, Electrical Conductivity 500 - 900 μS/cm, and temperature 74°F - 80°F (23°C - 27°C). They require hard, alkaline water parameters matching Lake Tanganyika. Use fine sand (0.5-1 mm grain) and plenty of escargot shells (1-2 inches diameter). Maintain nitrates below 15 ppm with weekly 20% water changes. Use a sponge filter with gentle flow. Avoid copper. Ammonia and nitrite must be 0 ppm.
What is the dietary and medication protocol for Shell Dweller Cichlids?
They are micro-predators requiring 45% protein, 12% fat, 43% plant matter. Feed premium crushed flakes, cichlid micro-pellets (0.5 mm), live baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and frozen cyclops twice daily. Offer spirulina powder weekly. They accept frozen bloodworms occasionally. Medication alert: Tolerate copper (0.2 mg/L) but sensitive to formalin. Praziquantel is safe. Salt baths up to 5 ppt treat external parasites. Quarantine with metronidazole (5 mg/L) for 10 days. They are hardy but can carry internal parasites.
How to breed Shell Dweller Cichlids with step-by-step triggers?
No special triggers needed; they breed readily in stable conditions. Maintain temperature at 78°F (25.5°C), pH 8.0, and provide 5+ empty shells per fish. The female lures male into her shell, lays 10-30 eggs, and incubates inside for 10-14 days at 78°F. Fry emerge as 0.2-inch (5 mm) free-swimming miniatures. They accept crushed flakes and baby brine shrimp immediately. Remove adults or provide multiple shells to prevent cannibalism. Colonies can produce 10-20 fry monthly. Cull deformed fry to maintain genetic health.

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