Multifasciatus Shell Dweller (Lamprologus multifasciatus) is a intermediate-level freshwater fish that needs at least 10 gallons and 74-80°F. A tiny cichlid that lives and breeds in empty snail shells. Great for a colony tank with a sand bottom.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Lamprologus multifasciatus |
|---|---|
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Origin | Lake Tanganyika, Africa |
| Adult size | 2 in |
| Minimum tank | 10 gallons |
| Temperature | 74-80°F |
| pH | 7.5-9.0 |
| Temperament | Territorial in a colony |
| Social behavior | Colony |
| Swim level | Bottom |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Diet | Small frozen and live foods, micro pellets |
| Typical lifespan | 5-8 years |
Quick tips
- Use sand and plenty of empty shells.
- Needs hard, alkaline water.
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.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi