Brevis Shelldweller (Neolamprologus brevis)
| Brevis Shelldweller Neolamprologus brevis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Brevis Shelldweller |
| Name Lat. | Neolamprologus brevis |
| Synonym | Lamprologus brevis |
| Family | Cichlids |
| Family lat. | Cichlidae |
| Order | Cichlids |
| Order lat. | Cichliformes |
| Origin | Lake Tanganyika |
| Habitat | Sandy zone |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 7.5-9.0 |
| Behavior | Semi-aggressive |
| Keeping | Pair |
| Care Level | Difficult |
| Reproduction | Cave spawner |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 5-8 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 4-6 cm |
| Temperature | 24-28 °C |
| Hardness | 15-18 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 100 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 1.6"-2.4" |
| Temperature | 75-82 °F |
| Hardness | 267-320 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 25 gal |
Distribution and habitat
Banded Snail Cichlids are found exclusively (endemically) in Lake Tanganyika, where they are widespread and have produced several different colored site variants. They live in pairs in deep water along the shoreline with sandy bottoms and empty snail shells (Neothauma snail) that serve as their living burrows.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have large free sand areas, with a fine approx. 6 cm deep sand suitable for digging and at least 2 snail shells (e.g. from vine snails) for each animal as well as sufficient swimming space. Some stones and plants for territorial separation are ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
In nature they feed mainly on insects, insect larvae and plankton. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality dry food for Tanganyika cichlids (flakes, granules, pellets) as well as cyclops, daphnia, artemia, plankton, etc. (live or frozen)
It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.
Behaviour and compatibility
They live in pairs in a snail shell and defend their territory together very emphatically. Each pair should be offered several snail shells. Keeping several pairs is only recommended in a larger and richly structured tank. They can be well socialized with other small and medium-sized cichlids from Lake Tanganyika.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature may be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
Adult males are slightly more colorful and have a longer extended dorsal fin, females are smaller and more delicate.
Reproduction and breeding
The female buries a snail shell with the opening upwards in the sand, spawns in it (cave breeder) and fans the spawn with its fins sitting in front of the entrance. After about 24 hours the fry hatch and swim free after 6-7 days. They are guarded for some time before the brood care ends
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food. In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the fry are easy prey.
Important
If the fish have too few snail shells available, they tend to burrow heavily.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels should be checked at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: petdata
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); BAENSCH & RIEHL (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 2, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF