Ocellatus Shell Dweller

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Endemic to the majestic Lake Tanganyika in Africa. Lives exclusively in the sandy coastal bottoms covered by endless cemeteries of empty shells of endemic giant snails (Neothauma tanganyicense). The waters are incredibly clear, alkaline and hard as rock.

Taxonomy and Morphology: A dwarf and incredibly stocky Neolamprologus. Males barely reach 5 cm (2 inches), females 3.5 cm (1.4 inches). The body is compact, bullet-shaped, dominated by an upward-facing mouth (to catch falling zooplankton) and huge golden eyes fluffy. The name 'ocellatus' derives from the black ocellus on the edge of the gill cover.

Social Behavior: "The Bloodthirsty Dwarf of the Shell". Ocellatus is famous for a sadistic and comically amazing aggressiveness. Every fish demands ITS personal snail shell and a 15 cm portion of sand. They spend their time spitting sand to bury the shell to the brim. If a large cichlid, a snail or the owner's hand approaches, this micro-demon will dart out biting the skin violently in defense of its home.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Gold and Lilac. The body varies from a dull golden-yellow to metallic bronze-violet shades. On the gill cover stands out a deep iridescent gold black spot. The dimorphism is morphological and chromatic: the male is visibly larger and has the dorsal fin edged with yellow/gold, the female, tiny and round amazing fluffy, sports a clear white dorsal fin edge.

Tank Setup: Demands "Sand and Shells" (Min. 60 cm / 24 inches). CRITICAL SADISTIC LETHAL REQUIREMENT: Very fine sand (Sugar Size) and at least 3-4 large snail shells (Escargot/Burgundy) FOR EACH FISH. Without shells or with coarse disgusting gravel, the fish will go crazy with terror pale scared blind, bloodily injuring their snout trying to dig nonexistent shelters to a fluffy useless agonizing death.

Feeding and Diet: Opportunistic Carnivorous Micro-Predator. In nature waits for plankton floating in mid-water. Voraciously devours brine shrimp nauplii, cyclops, daphnia and high-end carnivorous micro-granules. Detests going down to collect food fallen beyond its silly fluffy jurisdiction, it must fall "like rain" near the shell.

Water Quality: Pure Tanganyika Chemistry. It is essential to maintain very hard (GH 10-25) and alkaline (pH never below 8.0, ideal 8.5-9.0) water parameters. Neutral or acidic water will destroy it with lethal osmotic shock pale asphyxia. Stable temperatures between 24° and 27°C (75-81°F), very high oxygenation and zero nitrates (they suffer rapid fetid sadistic intoxications).

Compatibility and Cohabitation: "Warrior of Small Tanganyika Community". One male and 2-3 females (harem) are perfect for a dedicated tank. If the space is vast (100+ cm), cohabits with Cyprichromis or Julidochromis. LETHAL SADISTIC WARNING: NEVER mix with Plecos (who cannot handle hard water) or with huge and violent Malawi Mbuna cichlids that would shred it as a snack gloomy blind fatal pain corner.

Aquarium Reproduction: Harem Shell Breeder (Easy). The male owns the territory and tolerates females in nearby shells. The female lays tiny eggs inside the spiral of her shell, the male passes over it releasing the amazing genius seed. The female wedges herself at the entrance fanning the water. The tiny fry will come out after two weeks floating magical gloomy amazing heroes.

Risks and Diseases: Lethality from "Conspecific Conflict (Insufficient Shells) and Soft Water". The fluffy inexperienced beginner often puts 2 males in 40 cm: the dominant will dig its shell and bite the opponent to death mutilated sadistic gloomy pale agonizing corner. If the pH collapses, the defenses collapse and the fish explodes with Bloat (lethal fetid disgusting painful deadly consumptive useless dropsy).