Neolamprologus multifasciatus is a small Cichlid from Lake Tanganyika in Africa that lives and breeds in and around discarded snail shells. Considered by many to be the smallest Cichlid in the world. i have personally witnessed them spawn at under 1 inch in size. These are extremely active diggers with great personality and charm. I highly remomend these fish to first time cichlid keepers.







Size: 1-3 inches

pH: 8.0-9.4

Sexing: Males are considerably larger than females. Females will tend to claim one shell of her own, while males will roam about the tank more.

Aqurium Requirements: Pairs or trios (1M/2F) can be housed in as small as a 10 gallon aqurium. Plenty of shells should be provided, no less than 2-3 shells per fish is recomended as they will often bury, unbury and rebury shells that don't quite meet their approval.

Temperment: Extremely aggresive, even for their size. These are fearless bulldogs that will aggresively defend their shell beds. I have had them kill plecos twice their size. Best kept in species specific tanks, however they also make good additions to larger Tanganyikan community tanks, provided there is ample space and seperation of the shell beds from the rocky areas of the tank.

Breeding: Extremely easy! Just add shells, clean water, good diet and a few females to each male. These harem forming cichlids will bread early and often! Multiple broods will cohabit and canabilism of younger siblings is rare...Beware, as you may soon find your self up to your neck in tiny swimming "eye balls" (fry are extremely small and are often only distinguishable from the substrate by the blue dots of thier eyes)