Multies (Shell Dweller)

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Lake Tanganyika. Forms immense colonies solely in the abyssal sandy plains covered by millions of empty snail shells of the *Neothauma* genus.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Multies (Neolamprologus multifasciatus). One of the SMALLEST Cichlids IN THE WORLD (max 4-4.5 cm / 1.7 inches the male, 2 cm / 0.8 inches the female). It has a wide mouth suited to carrying sand like a bulldozer.

Social Behavior: Formidable social engineers (Shell-dwellers). They form very rigid matriarchal colonies. An alpha male protects a "condominium" of shells each inhabited by a female and her young. They challenge fish 10 times larger by biting their fins.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Greyish-beige with 15-18 very dense thin vertical bands (Multi-fasciatus) chestnut or black, bright turquoise eyes. Males double the size of females (who are literally as long as a pinky nail).

Aquarium Setup: Colony in 60 cm (24 inches). No rocks (useless). Mandatory at least 5-8 cm (2-3 inches) of coral sand or very fine quartz, and DOZENS of empty snail shells (Escargot or ampullaria shells) thrown on the bottom. They will begin to bury and move them like workers creating huge craters.

Diet and Feeding: Planktonic omnivores. They accept any micro-granule and brine shrimp, darting out of the shell and returning in a millisecond.

Water Quality: Hard and alkaline. Being of minuscule size, they suffer from nitrates. The pH must be very high (8.5), easily maintained by the dissolving calcareous shells and aragonite sand.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Perfect for the lower levels. If paired with Cyprichromis (which live in mid-water) they will ignore anyone who does not approach the sand. Absolutely do not insert live snails or other bottom cleaners (they would be deprived of their eyes by the rabid bites of the "Multi" females).

Aquarium Reproduction: Spectacle of Evolution. A well-fed colony will constantly churn out miniature young (1-2 mm). The older generations will help the females defend the shell area, creating multi-generational families.

Risks and Diseases: Buried alive or crushed. Never lift abruptly or empty the shells out of the water for cleaning: the "Multies", if frightened, get stuck in the internal spiral of the shell (up to the apex) and will not come out for hours, dying suffocated if the shell is kept out of the water or broken.