Ocellated Shell Dweller
Ocellated Shell Dweller
Ocellated Shell Dweller (Lamprologus ocellatus) is one of the smallest cichlids in the world and one of the most entertaining. Under 2.5 inches, it lives in and defends empty snail shells on the sandy bottom of Lake Tanganyika in Africa. A dark, blue-edged spot on the gill cover, a gold-tan body, and big, alert eyes give it a lot of personality for its size.
⚠ Hard Water Required: This species needs hard, alkaline water (pH 7.5 or higher, GH 12+ dGH). It is not suited to soft, acidic planted tanks.
Provide a sand substrate and at least two empty shells (escargot or Neothauma-style shells) per fish. Each fish claims a shell, and they constantly dig and rearrange sand around it — a fascinating display. Keep a pair or a trio (1 male, 2 females) in a 10–20 gallon tank.
Females spawn inside the shell and guard the fry, which venture out and dart back to safety. Despite their size they are bold and territorial around their shells, so tankmates should be other small Tanganyikans or fast fish that stay in the upper water.
Feeding & Care Tip: Feed small, meaty foods: Hikari Frozen Baby Brine Shrimp, Hikari Frozen Daphnia, and Hikari Frozen Bloodworms, with a fine flake such as Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes or small sinking pellets.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy (with hard water) |
| Temperament | Territorial |
| Adult Size | Males ~2 in, females ~1.5 in |
| Group Size | Pair or 1 male : 2 females |
| Minimum Tank Size | 10 gallons |
| Ideal Temperature | 75–80°F (24–27°C) |
| Ideal pH | 7.8–9.0 |
| Ideal GH | 12–20 dGH |
| Staple Food | Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes, small sinking pellets |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen Baby Brine Shrimp, Daphnia |
| Lifespan | 5–8 years |
| Origin | Lake Tanganyika, Africa |
| Notes | 2+ shells per fish. Sand substrate. Hard, alkaline water. |
