Species profile
Brevis Shell Dweller
Neolamprologus brevis
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
70 L minimum aquarium
4–6 cm adult size
Bottom
Minimum group: 2
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Best treated as a pair-oriented shell dweller rather than forcing a large colony. Shell choice and floor area matter more than decorative tank height.
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: 2
Tank zone
Bottom
Territory level
High
Predation risk
Small fry
Bioload factor
1.3
Pair-forming shell-dweller. A bonded pair may share a shell and defend a compact territory; provide spare shells and visual barriers.
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
70 L
Minimum footprint
60 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Neolamprologus brevis
Alternative names
Lamprologus brevis, Brevis Shell-Dweller
Native range
Lake Tanganyika, East Africa.
Natural habitat
Sandy shell beds and open substrate near rocky areas in hard, alkaline Lake Tanganyika water.
Diet & feeding
Small benthic invertebrates and zooplankton; feed appropriately sized frozen/live foods and quality cichlid granules.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Adult males are noticeably larger and heavier-bodied than females.
Breeding
Shell spawner. The pair courts and spawns inside a shell; the female tends eggs/fry while the male primarily defends the territory.