Species profile
Ocellatus Shell Dweller
Neolamprologus ocellatus
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.
Current accepted combination is Neolamprologus ocellatus. The older Lamprologus ocellatus name remains common in aquarium literature.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
23–27 °C
pH
7.8–9
GH
12–25 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
Fry
Bioload factor
1.2
Tiny but famously feisty shell dweller. Each fish needs shell territory and floor area; females in particular may defend shells disproportionately hard.
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
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
70 L
Minimum footprint
60 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Neolamprologus ocellatus
Alternative names
Lamprologus ocellatus, Ocellatus Shell Dweller, Gold Ocellatus
Native range
Lake Tanganyika, East Africa.
Natural habitat
Open sandy shell beds with empty Neothauma shells in hard alkaline, mineral-rich lake water.
Diet & feeding
Small benthic invertebrates and zooplankton; use fine frozen/live foods and quality small cichlid pellets/granules.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males are significantly larger and more robust; females stay smaller and are more tightly associated with occupied shells.
Breeding
Shell spawner. Female deposits eggs deep inside a shell and guards the immediate site while the male defends a wider territory.