Feeding them twice a day is enough. Vegetable based flake food can be a good base when combined with meaty foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp. The larger shell dwelling species can also be trained onto accepting small pellets suitable for cichlids.
What is a shell dweller?
Shell dwellers are, by their very nature, small. That means they don’t require the huge tanks associated with other lake dwellers like mbuna. Because of their sociable natures, species pending, quite large numbers can be kept in relatively small tanks. They feed easily, and breed readily. They have fascinating behaviours worth studying.
Can shell dwellers live in small tanks?
Shell dwellers are, by their very nature, small. That means they don’t require the huge tanks associated with other lake dwellers like mbuna. Because of their sociable natures, species pending, quite large numbers can be kept in relatively small tanks.
What kind of water do shell dweller cichlids like?
Because of this, shell dweller cichlids prefer hard, alkaline water with a pH of 7.8 to 9 and a hardness of 15 to 25, mimicking the natural environment. The temperature should be between 73ºF and 79°F. Shell dweller cichlids are one of the smallest cichlids in the world.
What fish can I put with my Shelly?
Julidochromis, and cylindrical Neolamprologus types may seem the immediate sensible choice, but go sparingly. All of these fish live close to the base and can soon get under each other’s skin. Higher water fish are worth a look, especially in larger tanks. Aulonocranus is a good choice, and will keep out of the shellies’ way.
What do shell dwellers eat?
zooplanktonDiet. Shell dwellers are carnivores that primarily feed on zooplankton and other microscopic and near-microscopic foods. Cichlids' distinctive pharyngeal teeth, in the throat of the fish, are present in shell dwellers, though small.
What do you feed shell dweller fry?
5:047:20Feeding Tiny Shelldweller Cichlids - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSee the fish are really going nuts over these brine shrimp I love it. I also feed them micro worms.MoreSee the fish are really going nuts over these brine shrimp I love it. I also feed them micro worms. Which I've raised for years and years decades actually. And they like those a lot as well.
What do shell dwellers need?
Size: To just 4.5cm/1.8in. Temperature: 24–26°C/75–79°F. Water: Hard, alkaline: 7.8–9.0pH, hardness 15-25°H. Diet: Daphnia, Cyclops and flake foods work well.
Are shell dwellers easy to care for?
9:5711:27How to Set Up a Shell Dweller Fish Tank: Six Different Species Featured!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd we've found feeding them is very very simple so they will eat most crushed flake food or youMoreAnd we've found feeding them is very very simple so they will eat most crushed flake food or you know what oh that's just your simple tropical fish flakes or cichlid flakes.
How long can cichlid fry go without food?
seven to 10 daysWhile a collection of large, healthy cichlids can easily go seven to 10 days without fish food, an aquarium full of baby fish will need to be fed after a day or two.
What fish can live with shell dwellers?
While they can't be kept with other bottom-dwelling species such as catfish or loaches, shell dwellers get along fine with species that stay at the surface far away from their precious shells. Small livebearers such as Endler guppies or platinum halfbeaks for example would make ideal companions.
How big of a tank do shell dwellers need?
Aquarium Size : Preferably 5-10 gallons, the longer the better. Tank Mates : Depending on the size of the tank, you may be able to have other fish that live in the upper regions, though do this with caution, as other fish can eat your fry. Don't mix shell-dweller species.
Are shell dwelling cichlids aggressive?
They are one of the most aggressive shell dwellers. It is said that if sharks behaved the same way they did, the beaches of the world would be abandoned. Despite this, the ocellatus group has the most attractively patterned body.
Can you keep shrimp with shell dwellers?
Even dwarf sized cichlids like your shell dwellers will relish the shrimp. Keep in mind that crustaceans are their natural food items in the lake.
Do shell dwellers need shells?
1:071:43How to Find Cheap Shells for Your Fish Tank! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn our heart or water with a higher pH. So they last a long time shell dwellers love them we've hadMoreIn our heart or water with a higher pH. So they last a long time shell dwellers love them we've had really good success in breeding shell dwellers using these shells.
How much do shell dwellers cost?
Brevis Shell Dweller (Neolamprologus brevis) - Aquatic Arts on sale today for $ 27.99.
How do you get shell dwellers to breed?
2:194:26Shell Dweller Care and Breeding Guide - Neolamprologus ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey're really easy to breed they do it all themselves all you need to do is provide some cleanMoreThey're really easy to breed they do it all themselves all you need to do is provide some clean fresh water some nice high quality food. And they'll do the rest.
What do you feed cichlid fry?
4:2910:25How to care for African Cichlid Fry - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce or twice a week I feed them some brine shrimp and krill. But it's not recommended you feed themMoreOnce or twice a week I feed them some brine shrimp and krill. But it's not recommended you feed them every day it's just just feed them sporadically.
How much sand do shell dwellers need?
Because shell dwellers love to dig, add least 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of sand substrate such as aragonite sand, which also helps to raise the pH and GH. To reduce fighting among males, cover the sand entirely with shells if possible so that you have a minimum of three shells per fish.
How many babies do shell dwellers have?
Fry typically do not pick on each other, and parents are protective unless the population gets too big. Feed fry foods, baby brine shrimp, or finely crushed flakes. There should be from 4- 30 fry per spawn. Aquarium Size : Preferably 5-10 gallons, the longer the better.
How do you set up a shell dweller tank?
2:248:35How to set up a shell dweller Lake Tanganyika Tank - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can also get little pvc elbows. And then you just put a cap on one side those actually workMoreYou can also get little pvc elbows. And then you just put a cap on one side those actually work better for getting babies. Out i just don't think they're as aesthetically pleasing.
What is a shell dweller cichlid?
Shell Dweller Cichlid - Shellies. Shell Dweller Cichlid - Neolamprologus multifasciatus, or for short, Multies are a special type of cichlid for many reasons. The first reason is they are shell-dwellers, or Shellies, which means that they live and breed in shells. In the wild, Shell Dweller Cichlids live on the bottom of Lake Tanganyika in Africa.
What color do cichlids need?
A popular cichlid that needs a larger aquarium. Really pretty shades of blue depending on the aquarium lighting they are under.
How to live up to the name of shell dweller?
In order to live up to the name of ‘shell dweller’ a fish needs to be pretty small, and their dinky size is advantageous when it comes to seeking out real estate. Curling up inside the curves of a snail shell is a great way to make yourself trickier to swallow.
What is a shell dweller?
Shell dwellers tear this impression apart. They are small fish, among the smallest cichlids in the world, and they carry overtones of prey, not predator. But their hearts are those of berserkers, and they will dash headlong into the face of an intrusive human diver, to land a menacing bite upon the tip of the nose.
What is the name of the baby of the shell dwellers?
Neolamprologus brevis. The frog-faced, bulldog-chinned baby of the shell dwellers, N. brevis is one of the more peaceful species. Still, they’ve drawn blood from me on more than one occasion. N. brevis are small, fierce, and the species you’ll most likely meet in stores.
What is the choice of shell in Tanganyika?
In Tanganyika, the choice of shell is really only the one: Neothauma tanganyicense.
How deep are Neothauma shells?
In fact, it’s easier to underestimate how vast these shell congregations can be: in places there may be piles of 3m deep.
How big of a tank should I use for a shellie?
For the shellie fan with limited space, this is the fish to go for. A 45cm/18in tank will house a couple of pairs, or a decent harem for one male. They are easy to keep, easy to source, and cheap enough to buy. If you’re looking for a shell-dweller entry point, I’d definitely choose these!
How to stop algae growth in a lake?
Stick to fish from the lake. The temptation is to add fish like bristlenose Ancistrus to help curb algae growth, but these are soft water dwellers that struggle with the chronic onslaught of minerals working through their little kidneys.
What do shell dwelling cichlids eat?
Shell-dwelling cichlids are carnivorous fish which can feed on a variety of aquatic creatures, including snails, crustaceans, and broods of other fish . In terms of their diet in captivity, you will provide them with the same food you would other cichlids, but their carnivorous habits are more useful to know when you consider the possibility of allowing them to live with other creatures in the aquarium. With snails, for instance, there is a good chance they will eat them.
What are the characteristics of shell dwellers?
Shell-dwellers are typically categorized into groupings of species, all of which have slightly different, unique characteristics. Of course, the one thing they all have in common is that they utilize shells, in one way or another. Some, such as Lepidiolamprologus, are smaller than their non shell-dwelling cichlid cousins of the same variety, because this smaller size enables them to more effectively utilize shells. Others, such as the Brevis group, have large heavy bodies, and therefore require larger shells.
What type of shell do cichlids like?
The most popular type of shell for shell-dwelling cichlids is that of the Neothauma tanganyicense, a type of snail native to Lake Tanginyica. However, you can present your cichlids with multiple shell options, and ultimately the decision will be a matter of their personal preference. Who can say what makes a cichlid like one shell over another? There could be many factors involved, most especially the size and shape of the shell relative to the female.#N#Different species of shell-dwellers can be more or less picky, and ultimately you have to just present them with multiple options, and see what they like. Luckily, shells are not particularly expensive, so you can probably just pick up a variety at your local aquarium store, or order them online, and hopefully find your cichlid a shell that they will love.
What is the best substrate for cichlids?
The other is that the ideal substrate for shell-dwellers is sand, instead of pebbles. This most faithfully mimics their natural environment, and comes with the added benefit of the cichlids’ using the sand to cover their shell, or flipping it up into the water in a way that is highly entertaining to watch.
What should the water be for a cichlid?
Firstly, the water should be hard (high mineral content), and alkaline. This is a general guideline for cichlids, but is especially important for shell dwellers. It should also be relatively free of nitrates.
What is the best food for cichlids?
Some of the best tank mates for cichlids are bottom feeders and eat algae, helping to keep the tank clean and in ecological balance. Algae is important for stabilizing the bacteria in your aquarium and minimizing nitrogen, but too much algae can severely reduce the oxygen in the water. Without oxygen, your fish will become sick and possibly die. Having bottom feeders not only benefits you by reducing your tank maintenance tasks but also benefits the cichlid by keeping its home clean and oxygenated.
Where Do Shell Dweller Cichlids Prefer to Live in the Aquarium?
Shell dweller cichlids are one of the smallest cichlids in the world and manage to survive in open-water environments by hiding in shells. In the wild, these fish will create expansive “shell cities” to inhabit. In your tank, it’s best to provide a variety of shell sizes and types in different locations, so your fish can choose the option they prefer most at any given time. If you’re not adding high-water tank mates, you can opt for a short, long tank that provides the maximum bottom space.
What is the best tankmate for a cichlid?
The African red-eyed tetra is a popular tankmate for many species, including the shell dweller cichlid. Tetras can grow larger but are generally peaceful in spacious tanks. If you provide enough room to swim and spaces to hide and establish territory, the African red-eyed tetra will avoid confrontation with other fish. This fish isn’t picky about meals, so you can provide a variety of food options throughout the tank to discourage food guarding behaviors.
How big is a shell dweller cichlid?
Shell dweller cichlids are one of the smallest cichlids in the world. The male can reach sizes of 1.5 to 2 inches, while the female reaches sizes of 0.75 to 1 inch. Because of their small size, cichlids are ideal for small aquariums and only require around 10 gallons. If you plan on keeping a variety of fish, however, it’s best to get a larger tank.
Can shell dweller cichlids fight?
With their aggressive nature and territoriality, shell dweller cichlids don’t have many options for tank mates. It’s impossible to list the numerous species that should be avoided, but generally, any small, docile fish can struggle with the cichlid’s aggression and won’t have the size to fight back. The only suitable tank mates for cichlids are either large enough to hold their own, or equally aggressive and territorial. Having other aggressive fish can lead to fighting, however, so it’s important to monitor your aquarium dynamics carefully.
