Multifasciatus Shell Dweller

Neolamprologus multifasciatus

Minimum Tank Size

10–20 gal colony

Temperature

75–80°F

PH

7.8–9.0

Adult Size

1.5–2 in

Temperament 

Colonial, territorial around shells

Care Difficulty

Intermediate

Diet & Feeding

Offer a high-quality species-appropriate staple plus supplemental foods suited to the fish's natural feeding strategy. Avoid overfeeding and remove uneaten food.

Care Instructions

Maintain stable 75–80°F water and appropriate chemistry. Size the aquarium for adult fish, territorial behavior, swimming room, and biological load.

Flow & Filtration

Use mature biological filtration with good oxygenation and species-appropriate flow. Ammonia and nitrite should remain at zero; manage nitrate with regular maintenance.

Planted Tank Suitability

Plant compatibility depends on digging, grazing, hardness requirements, and aggression. Use hardy attached plants or protected planting where appropriate.

Tank Mate Compatibility

Good Tank Mates
  • Other Multifasciatus

Use Caution 
  • Small Tanganyikan Species

Avoid
  • Large Predatory Cichlids

Compatibility Notes

Provide many empty shells and hard alkaline water; fascinating colony behavior suits species-focused tanks.

Breeding Notes

Breeding strategy is species-specific. Provide suitable spawning sites and a dedicated fry plan when breeding is intended.