Shell Dweller

Looks how to spot one

Fusiform, slightly laterally compressed body with rounded fins

This tiny cichlid has a streamlined, oval-flat body with a rounded tail fin. Its dorsal and anal fins are drawn out at the rear, and the pelvic fins are wing-shaped with a white leading edge. The jaw is upturned, and there is only one nostril on each side of the head.15

Personality what they are like

Generally peaceful for a cichlid, but each fish fiercely defends its own shell and the small patch of sand around it. They are active diggers and will rearrange their tank, often burying shell entrances. They form colonies with a harem structure, and multiple generations often live together peacefully.643

Daily activity how busy a day looks

They are bottom-dwellers that dart in and out of shells. They need a sandy substrate at least 2 inches deep for digging, and plenty of empty snail shells. They are active during the day and will constantly rearrange their environment.564

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Regular partial water changes are important, as they are sensitive to changes in temperature and water chemistry. Provide a heater set to 78-80°F (25-27°C) and maintain a pH between 7.8 and 9.0. Use fine sand or very fine gravel substrate and provide more shells than fish.45

Home where they are happiest

A tank of at least 11 gallons (about 40 litres) is recommended, though smaller tanks can work for a pair. The water should be hard and alkaline, with a pH of 7.8-9.0 and a temperature of 73-81°F (23-27°C). Provide a thick layer of fine sand and plenty of empty snail shells, such as escargot shells or large snail shells. They are not plant-safe as they dig.564

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Omnivorous, but in the wild they mainly eat planktonic copepods and small invertebrates. In the aquarium they accept most foods, but a high-protein diet is recommended. Offer live or frozen foods like baby brine shrimp, along with quality cichlid flakes or pellets.146

Company who they like around

They are colonial and do best in groups with more females than males. They can be kept with other small Tanganyikan cichlids that occupy different areas, but a species-only tank is recommended to observe their natural colony behaviour. They are not aggressive towards humans, but they will defend their territory against other fish.63

The story where it all began

This species is native to Lake Tanganyika, where it lives in colonies among empty snail shells on the sandy bottom. It is one of the smallest cichlids in the world, and its unique shell-dwelling lifestyle has made it a popular aquarium fish. It is easy to keep and breed in small tanks, which has increased its popularity among hobbyists. It is not a colour variety or morph, but a distinct species.143

Recognised by the official bits

Popularity One of the most commonly kept Tanganyikan cichlids in the hobby.3