Neolamprologus Multifasciatus

Multifasciatus Shell Dweller (Neolamprologus multifasciatus)

The smallest cichlid in the world, the Multifasciatus (or "multi") is a tiny, striped shell-dweller that lives in colonies on the shell beds of Lake Tanganyika. Endlessly active and fascinating to watch, it digs, defends, and breeds inside empty snail shells — a perfect species for a nano Tanganyikan tank.

Care at a Glance:

• Minimum Tank Size: 40L with a sand substrate and plenty of empty shells
• Temperature: 24–28°C
• pH Range: 8.0–9.0
• Water Hardness: Hard
• Temperament: Territorial but colonial; best in groups
• Diet: Sinking micro-pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia
• Max Size: 3–4cm
• Lifespan: 5–8 years
• Care Level: Easy to moderate (needs hard, alkaline water)

Tank Mates: Other small Tanganyikan shell dwellers or rock-dwellers in a larger tank; best in a species colony setup.

Origin: Lake Tanganyika, Africa — shell beds in sandy areas