Species profile
Shell Dweller Cichlid
Neolamprologus multifasciatus
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
60 L minimum aquarium
3–5 cm adult size
Bottom
Minimum group: 6
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Tiny Lake Tanganyika shell-dweller that should be kept as a colony with many more shells than fish.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–27 °C
pH
8–9
GH
10–20 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 6
Tank zone
Bottom
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Tiny fry
Bioload factor
0.9
Colonial shell-dwelling cichlid. Each fish uses/defends shells and excavates sand; provide abundant shells and enough floor area to create multiple small territories.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
Yes
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
60 L
Minimum footprint
60 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Neolamprologus multifasciatus
Alternative names
Shell Dweller Cichlid, Multifasciatus Shelldweller, Multies, Neolamprologus multifasciatus
Native range
Lake Tanganyika, East Africa.
Natural habitat
Shallow shell beds over sand. Use fine sand and a dense field of appropriately sized empty shells; avoid strong current.
Diet & feeding
Feeds largely on zooplankton and small invertebrates. Offer fine quality cichlid foods plus small frozen/live foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males are substantially larger than females when mature, making size the most useful external cue.
Breeding
Shell spawner. Females spawn inside shells and guard the brood; males defend larger colony territories. Fry often remain within the colony.