Intermediate carePeaceful but territorial around shellsBottom dwellerAfrica

Shell-dwelling cichlid

Neolamprologus multifasciatus

The Shell-dwelling cichlid (Neolamprologus multifasciatus) is a peaceful but territorial around shells fish that's a good step up once you have a little experience. Give it a tank of at least 60 litres (16 US gallons), water held at 75-82°F, and a pH of 7.5-9.

Care levelIntermediate

TemperamentPeaceful but territorial around shells

Min tank size15.9 US gal

pH range7.5-9

Temperature75-82°F

Max size2.4 in (6.0 cm)

Captive lifespan8-15 years

SchoolingNo

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

Africa (Lake Tanganyika)

Africa

Regional colours match the stocking calculator's origin map.

Shell-dwelling cichlid Tank Setup

Give them at least 60 litres (16 US gallons). Cichlids are territorial and produce plenty of waste, so strong filtration and some rocks or wood to break up sight lines both help. Aim for 75-82°F and a pH around 7.5-9.

What Do Shell-dwelling cichlids Eat?

They're not fussy eaters - feed a varied diet, rotating good-quality dry, frozen, and gel foods rather than the same thing every day, and match the food size to their mouths.

Shell-dwelling cichlid Tank Mates

Requires shells and hard alkaline water; colony species The Shell-dwelling cichlid is peaceful but territorial around shells, which is the first thing to weigh up when you choose tank mates. Good matches come down to the whole stocking list working together - temperature, tank size, and temperament - not any single label. Before you buy, run your full stocking list through our stocking calculator. It weighs temperament, adult size, and water needs together, which a single species page can't do on its own.

Are Shell-dwelling cichlids Good for Beginners?

Doable once you test water regularly and catch problems before fish look sick. If this is your first tank, pick something more forgiving and come back later.

Shell-dwelling cichlid - frequently asked questions

What size tank do Shell-dwelling cichlids need?

Shell-dwelling cichlids need a tank of at least 60 litres (16 US gallons). A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable, and gives them more room to settle in and behave naturally.

What water parameters do Shell-dwelling cichlids need?

Keep them at 75-82°F with a pH of 7.5-9, steady rather than chased to an exact figure. In a cycled tank, ammonia and nitrite should both read 0 ppm, with nitrate kept low through regular water changes.

What do Shell-dwelling cichlids eat?

Shell-dwelling cichlids are omnivores and aren't fussy eaters. Feed a varied mix of good-quality dry, frozen, and gel foods, and match the food size to their mouths. Feed small amounts once or twice a day, and remove anything they don't eat.

Are Shell-dwelling cichlids good for beginners?

Shell-dwelling cichlids are best for keepers with a little experience. They are manageable once you test water regularly and catch problems early; a complete beginner may prefer something more forgiving first.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.