Similis Shell Dweller Cichlid - Neolamprologus similis
$59.99
Not applicable with Auction Items
Neolamprologus similis, or the Similis Shell-Dweller, is a small, copper-colored cichlid from Lake Tanganyika, Africa, known for living and breeding in empty snail shells. These fish are popular in the aquarium hobby for their unique social behavior, where they establish territories around shells, dig in the sand, and form colonies. They are best kept in species-specific tanks with plenty of shells and a sandy substrate, and they thrive in hard, alkaline water.
Appearance and size
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Color:Copper-colored with distinct vertical white stripes that extend to the head.
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Size:Males grow slightly larger, reaching up to 2 inches (5 cm), while females are around 1.5 inches (3.5 cm).
Habitat and tank setup
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Origin:Endemic to the sandy shores of Lake Tanganyika, Africa.
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Tank:A wide, long tank with a sandy bottom is ideal, as they dig and rearrange substrate.
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Decor:Provide many empty snail shells (more shells than fish) for shelter and breeding
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Water:High pH (8.0-8.5), hard water, and warm temperatures (78-80°F) are preferred.
Behavior and diet
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Social:They live in colonies and can be territorial, especially around their shells, but generally coexist peacefully.
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Diet:Omnivores that readily accept high-quality pellets, flakes, and live/frozen foods like brine shrimp.
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Activity:They are industrious, rearranging shells and sand, and can be aggressive when defending fry.
Breeding
- Process: Breeding is relatively easy in a suitable setup, with eggs laid and fertilized inside snail shells.
- Fry: They do not typically prey on their own fry, allowing colonies to grow.
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