Species profile
Similis Shell Dweller
Neolamprologus similis
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
60 L minimum aquarium
3.5–5 cm adult size
Bottom
Minimum group: 6
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Keep with abundant correctly sized shells and broken sight-lines. Do not apply soft-water community-fish parameters to this Tanganyikan species.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–27 °C
pH
7.8–9.2
GH
10–22 dGH
KH
8–18 dKH
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 6
Tank zone
Bottom
Territory level
High
Predation risk
Small fry
Bioload factor
1.3
Colonial shell-dweller. Territorial around occupied shells but can form stable colonies when shell cover and floor space are generous.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
No / caution
Cave breeder
Yes
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
5–8 years
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
60 L
Minimum footprint
60 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Neolamprologus similis
Alternative names
Lamprologus similis, Similis Shell-Dweller
Native range
Lake Tanganyika, East Africa.
Natural habitat
Shallow sandy and transitional zones with dense beds of empty gastropod shells; hard, alkaline, mineral-rich water.
Diet & feeding
Small crustaceans, insect larvae and zooplankton; offer fine quality cichlid foods plus frozen/live invertebrates.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males are larger and more robust; females remain smaller and are usually the shell-centred brood carers.
Breeding
Shell-spawning cichlid. Females deposit eggs deep inside shells and defend the immediate brood site; colonies can produce successive broods.