Ocellatus Shell Dweller (Lamprologus ocellatus) is an intermediate-level freshwater fish that needs at least 20 gallons and 75-82°F. A tiny Tanganyikan cichlid that lives in empty snail shells on a sand bottom. It is feisty for its size, needs hard, alkaline water, and spends its day defending its shell and the sand around it.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Lamprologus ocellatus |
|---|---|
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Origin | Lake Tanganyika, Africa |
| Adult size | 2-2.5 in |
| Minimum tank | 20 gallons |
| Temperature | 75-82°F |
| pH | 7.8-9.0 |
| Temperament | Territorial toward its own kind, small and bold |
| Social behavior | Pair or colony in a 20 gal or larger |
| Swim level | Bottom, in shells |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Diet | Carnivore: small frozen foods, baby brine shrimp, fine pellets |
| Typical lifespan | 5-8 years |
Quick tips
- Provide one or more empty snail shells per fish and a deep sand bed.
- Keep water hard and alkaline.
- Choose tankmates that stay out of the bottom territory.
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