Neolamprologus Multifasciatus
Neolamprologus Multifasciatus (Neolamprologus multifasciatus) is the smallest cichlid in Lake Tanganyika — and one of the smallest cichlids in the world. Males rarely exceed 1.5 inches and females are even smaller. Despite their diminutive size, 'Multis' have enormous personality — bold, curious, and will fearlessly defend their shell colony against fish many times their size.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Micro Pellets (soak briefly — tiny mouth) make an ideal staple. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp. Feed very small amounts 2–3 times daily near the shell colony.
Lake Tanganyika is one of the world's oldest and most chemically stable lakes — its water is hard, alkaline, and crystal-clear. Replicating these conditions is essential. Use crushed coral or aragonite substrate to maintain alkalinity, provide excellent filtration and water clarity, and perform regular partial water changes. Tanganyikan cichlids are highly sensitive to poor water quality and must never be kept in soft or acidic conditions.
Provide a colony of appropriately sized small shells — Neolamprologus multifasciatus uses much smaller shells than Lamprologus ocellatus. Keep as a colony of one male and multiple females. A 20-gallon tank with a deep sand bed and 20+ shells can house a thriving, breeding colony.
Neolamprologus multifasciatus is one of the great joys of the cichlid hobby. A thriving colony with multiple generations of fish in various sizes, constantly rearranging shells and interacting, is one of the most entertaining aquarium displays possible. Their fearlessness belies their tiny size in a most endearing way.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Territorial — fearless despite tiny size |
| Typical Adult Size | 1.5 inches male / 1.0 inch female |
| Min. Group Size | Colony — 1 male to 3+ females; 20+ shells |
| Ideal Temp | 76–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 7.8–9.0 |
| Ideal GH | 10–20 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 8–15 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Micro Pellets |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp |
| Origin | Sandy shell beds, Lake Tanganyika |
| Notes | Smallest cichlid in Lake Tanganyika. Requires appropriately small shells. Colony breeding — multiple generations coexist. Will breed prolifically. Hard alkaline water essential. |
