Our Guide To Keeping Brevis Shell Dweller Cichlid

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Neolamprologus brevis
   • Common name: Brevis Shell Dweller
   • Family: Cichlidae
   • Origin: Lake Tanganyika, East Africa
   • Adult length: 4-5 cm (1.5-2 inches)
   • Lifespan: 5 to 8 years

2. Tank Setup:

   • Tank size: A minimum tank size of 40 litres (10 gallons) is recommended for a pair.
   • Substrate: Use sand as the substrate to allow burrowing behavior and shell placement.
   • Decor: Provide plenty of empty shells (like escargot shells) as they use these for shelter and breeding.
   • Environment: Keep the setup simple with open swimming areas and avoid overcrowding to reduce territorial disputes.

3. Water Parameters:

   • pH: Maintain alkaline water with a pH range of 7.8 to 9.0.
   • Hardness: Very hard water (10-20 dGH).
   • Temperature: Keep the water temperature between 24-27°C (75-81°F).

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • Filtration: Use efficient biological and mechanical filtration to maintain water quality.
   • Water flow: Provide gentle to moderate water flow to mimic their natural environment.

5. Diet:

   • Type: Brevis Shell Dwellers are carnivorous and thrive on high-protein foods.
   • Options: Offer them live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. High-quality cichlid pellets can also be included in their diet.

6. Tank Mates:

   • Compatibility: Best kept in a species-only tank or with other small, peaceful Tanganyikan cichlids.
   • Behavior: Avoid keeping them with larger or aggressive species that may outcompete them for food or territory.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Territorial: Brevis Shell Dwellers are territorial and establish small territories around their chosen shells.
   • Social: They are monogamous and often form pairs, showing cooperative breeding behaviors.
   • Peaceful Nature: Despite being territorial, they are generally peaceful if provided adequate space and resources.