Brevis Shell Dweller Care Guide

Brevis Shell Dweller (Neolamprologus brevis) is an intermediate-level freshwater fish that needs at least 20 gallons and 75-82°F. A tiny Tanganyikan shell-dweller that lives and breeds in empty snail shells. It uses hard, alkaline water and a sandy bottom with plenty of shells.

Care facts at a glance

Quick tips

• Use fine sand and scatter empty snail shells.
• Use hard, alkaline water.
• Feed small foods; it is tiny.

San Diego water

Naturally suited to San Diego's hard, alkaline tap water once it is dechlorinated (the city uses chloramine, so use a conditioner that handles it). Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.

Before you buy

Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.