Many Banded Shell Dweller (Neolamprologus multifasciatus)
| Many Banded Shell Dweller Neolamprologus multifasciatus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Many Banded Shell Dweller |
| Name Lat. | Neolamprologus multifasciatus |
| 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, group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Cave spawner |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 4-6 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 4 cm |
| Temperature | 24-28 °C |
| Hardness | 15-18 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 80 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 1.6" |
| Temperature | 75-82 °F |
| Hardness | 267-320 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 20 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The Many-striped Snail Cichlids are found exclusively (endemically) in Lake Tanganyika, where they live in colonies in the extreme south. They inhabit the rocky zone above sandy bottoms with many empty snail shells (Neothauma snail), which serve them as living caves.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have large free sand areas, with a fine approx. 6 cm deep sand suitable for digging and provide sufficient swimming space. There should be some snail shells (e.g. from vine snails) as living caves for each animal. Stones, roots and plants provide hiding places and serve to separate territories.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and the oxygen content, a filter adapted to the aquarium size and a heater are required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
In the wild they feed mainly on small crustaceans, insect larvae and plankton. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed at least once a day with a high-quality dry food for Tanganyika cichlids (flakes, granules, pellets) as well as cyclops, daphnia, artemia, mosquito larvae and plankton (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
This relatively peaceful species should be kept in pairs or better in a group of 4-6 animals. They defend their snail shells including the immediate surroundings vehemently. Keeping a group is only recommended in a larger and richly structured tank. They can be socialized well with other small Lake Tanganyika cichlids. Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The sexes are difficult to distinguish. Adult males are somewhat more colorful, especially their dorsal fin is more intensely colored. Females are smaller and more delicate than males.
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
In the aquarium, the animals tend to burrow heavily when there are not enough snail shells.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. The temperature should be checked daily, the pH, hardness and nitrate value at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has 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); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 3, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF