Ocellated Shell-dweller (L. ocellatus)

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Lake Tanganyika. Perhaps the most widespread shell-dweller. Populates the coastal bottoms on huge beds of dead snails, areas where rocky dens are not available.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Frog-faced Cichlid (Lamprologus ocellatus). Disproportionately positioned eyes high on the "frog-like" head, ideal for peeking out of the shell while the entire body is sheltered inside.

Social Behavior: Pure attitude. Never backs down. If the aquarist puts a hand near its shell, the ocellatus will attack it, furiously biting hairs and fingers. An unwavering guardian of its little calcium treasure.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Characteristic ocellated black opercular spot (an iridescent "false eye" edged with gold/green). Golden or bronze body ("Gold ocellatus"). The female has a clear white edge on the dorsal fin, the male a reddish/gold edge. Male slightly larger.

Aquarium Setup: 60 cm (24 inches) tank for a group. Fine sifted sand necessary: the ocellatus throws itself on the shell with its side, "tail-wagging" to create a vortex that progressively sinks the shell until only the entrance is left out.

Diet and Feeding: Zooplankton carnivore. Hovers above its den waiting for the current to carry food. Does not hunt around the tank. Provide Nauplii, cyclops and sinking carnivorous micro-pellets.

Water Quality: The shell and the water are its life: if the GH lowers or the ph drops (acidity), the shells will slowly dissolve rendering the animal shelterless. Keep the water at pH >8 values (with specific Tanganyika salts).

Compatibility and Tankmates: Can dominate the bottom of mixed Tanganyika tanks, scaring even large Frontosa with its kamikaze attacks. NEVER pair with other shell-dwellers or "bulldozer" fish (e.g. large Synodontis) that would involuntarily bury its shells.

Aquarium Reproduction: Haremic Male. Fertilizes the eggs that the female lays deep in the spiral of the shell. The female seals the entrance and ventilates the eggs. Once free-swimming, the young station on the opening, retreating lightning fast.

Risks and Diseases: Lethal traps. Never use shells with a tortuous or too narrow duct; in a panic, the ocellatus will swim backwards, blocking itself in the spirals and asphyxiating.