Shell Dweller
Neolamprologus multifasciatus
Family: Cichlidae • Origin: Various
Shell Dweller (Neolamprologus multifasciatus) is a semi-aggressive cichlid reaching 2 inches. Keep in groups of 4+. Minimum tank size: 10 gallons.
Min Tank
10 gal
Max Size
2"
Temperature
75-82°F
pH
7.5-9
Lifespan
3 years
School Size
4+
Swim Level
bottom
Hardness
5-15 dGH
semi-aggressiveintermediateomnivoreschooling
Care Tips
- • Max size: 2 inches
- • Temperature: 75-82°F
- • pH: 7.5-9
- • Schooling — keep 4+ together
- • semi-aggressive temperament — choose tankmates carefully
Feeding: Standard omnivore diet. Accepts foods appropriate for Cichlidae species.
Compatibility Notes: Typical semi-aggressive Cichlidae species.
Tank Setup & Water Parameters
Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size
- 10 gallons
- Recommended Tank Size
- 15 gallons
- Swimming Level
- bottom
- Minimum School Size
- 4+ fish
Water Parameters
- Temperature
- 75–82°F
- pH Range
- 7.5–9
- Hardness (dGH)
- 5–15
- Water Type
- freshwater
Behavior & Temperament
- Temperament
- semi-aggressive
- Aggression Level
- 3/5
- Schooling
- Yes
- Territorial
- Yes
- Fin Nipper
- No
- Predatory
- No
- Diet Type
- omnivore
- Growth Rate
- moderate
Typical semi-aggressive Cichlidae species.
Breeding
- Breeding Type
- egg layer
- Breeding Difficulty
- moderate
- Lifespan
- 3 years
Ideal For
10 gallon
Compatible Tank Mates
View all →
Endler's Livebearer
Poecilia wingei
72-82°FpH 6.5-85+ gal
peacefulschooling 3+1.5"
Platy
Xiphophorus maculatus
70-80°FpH 7-810+ gal
peacefulschooling 3+3"
Molly
Poecilia sphenops
72-82°FpH 7-8.520+ gal
peacefulschooling 3+4.5"
Swordtail
Xiphophorus hellerii
72-82°FpH 7-8.520+ gal
peacefulschooling 3+5.5"
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
65-80°FpH 6.5-85+ gal
peacefulschooling 6+1.5"
Nerite Snail
Neritina natalensis
72-78°FpH 7-8.55+ gal
peaceful1"
Similar Species
Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma cacatuoides
72-82°FpH 6-7.520+ gal
semi-aggressive3.5"
Kribensis
Pelvicachromis pulcher
75-82°FpH 5.5-7.520+ gal
semi-aggressive4"
Apistogramma Agassizii
Apistogramma agassizii
72-82°FpH 6-720+ gal
semi-aggressive3.5"
Apistogramma Borellii
Apistogramma borellii
72-79°FpH 6-7.510+ gal
semi-aggressive3"