What fish can I keep with shell dwellers?
While they can’t be kept with other bottom-dwelling species such as catfish or loaches, shell dwellers get along fine with species that stay at the surface far away from their precious shells. Small livebearers such as Endler guppies or platinum halfbeaks for example would make ideal companions.
How many shell dwellers should be kept together?
Shell dwellers are very fun and easy to breed. As mentioned before, start with six or more fish, and provide at least three shells per fish. Then focus on feeding plenty of food while keeping the water quality high.
What size tank do shell dwellers need?
Aquarium Size : Preferably 5-10 gallons, the longer the better. Tank Mates : Depending on the size of the tank, you may be able to have other fish that live in the upper regions, though do this with caution, as other fish can eat your fry. Don’t mix shell-dweller species.
Can shell dwellers live in brackish water?
African cichlids can not be kept in brackish water but can tolerate some salt for illness remedies. The shellies would be fine in the 20 if it is not brakish and there is a ph of 8 or so. Cichlids live in fresh and brackish waters and can be found in Asia, Africa and south of 30 degrees N in America.
What is the smallest shell dweller?
Neolamprologus multifasciatus The smallest cichlid species in the world? At just 4.5cm/1.8in fully grown, it’s a tiny contender for that humble distinction. For the shellie fan with limited space, this is the fish to go for.
Do shell dwellers need sand?
They use the empty shells of aquatic snails as sites for breeding and shelter, and this behavior alone is very interesting to watch. Shell-dwellers prefer to have a fine sand bed to hold their shells stable and so they can dig around the shells.
What do shell dwellers eat?
zooplankton
Diet. Shell dwellers are carnivores that primarily feed on zooplankton and other microscopic and near-microscopic foods. Cichlids’ distinctive pharyngeal teeth, in the throat of the fish, are present in shell dwellers, though small.
How big do shell dwellers get?
Shell Dweller Cichlid Stats
| Origin | Lake Tanganyika in Africa |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 78F 80F (25C-26C) |
| pH | 7.6 8 |
| Hardness | 15 |
| Maximum size | 2 inches |
How much sand does a shell dweller tank need?
The Substrate As listed, you will need 10 pounds or more of fine grade crushed coral sand. Ideally you will need enough to be 2 inches deep. This substrate allows the Shell-Dwelling Cichlids to bury their shells and otherwise rearrange the decor.
How much sand do shell dwellers need?
Shell-dwellers prefer to have a fine sand bed to hold their shells stable and so they can dig around the shells. I used three 5 pound bags of Natural Tan Sand, a 5 pound bag of Black Sand and a 10 pound bag of Aragonite. I rinsed and mixed all the sand together in a five gallon bucket before adding it to the tank.
Do shell dwellers eat snails?
Armed with those and the usual teeth along with the typical dissolving qualities of water shell dwellers can eat a variety of foods in the wild and in captivity. Many species have been known to pull small snails from their shells to eat, to catch and devour the fry of other fish, and to go after small crustaceans.
What is a shell dweller cichlid?
Shell Dweller Cichlid – Neolamprologus multifasciatus, or for short, Multies are a special type of cichlid for many reasons. The first reason is they are shell-dwellers, or Shellies, which means that they live and breed in shells. In the wild, Shell Dweller Cichlids live on the bottom of Lake Tanganyika in Africa.
How big does a N multifasciatus cichlid get?
Aquarium Size for Shell Dwellers N. multifasciatus are small cichlids: the largest males may reach 5 centimeters, while females usually top out at 2.5 cm. This diminutive size makes them a good choice for a smaller aquarium. The minimum tank size I would recommend is 10 gallons.
What is the average size of a multie fish?
Common Names : Multie, Shellie (For most shell-dwellers) Care Level : Easy, as long as you have enough shells and good parameters. Size : Males grow up to 1.5 – 2 inches (~5 cm); Females grow to.75 – 1 inch (~2.5 cm) pH : Around 7.6 – 8
What are the characteristics of Lamprologus multifasciatus?
Lamprologus multifasciatus : Distribution : Lake Tanganyika, Africa. Sexual Dimorphism : In an established breeding colony, males tend to be larger. Maximum Size : 4cm (1.6”) Water Parameters : Hard, alkaline conditions essential. pH: 8.0-9.0, dH: 15-25 degrees. Temperature : 24-26 deg C (75-79 deg F)