{"product_id":"shell-dweller-cichlid-neolamprologus-multifasciatus","title":"Shell Dweller Cichlid (Neolamprologus multifasciatus)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eNeolamprologus multifasciatus (Shell Dweller Cichlid)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipped live from Wyoming with our Live Arrival Guarantee.\u003c\/strong\u003e See our \u003ca href=\"\/policies\/shipping-policy\"\u003eshipping \u0026amp; DOA policy\u003c\/a\u003e for details.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNeolamprologus multifasciatus\u003c\/strong\u003e, commonly known as the \u003cstrong\u003eShell Dweller Cichlid\u003c\/strong\u003e or “Multies,” is one of the smallest and most fascinating \u003cstrong\u003eAfrican cichlids\u003c\/strong\u003e. Native to \u003cstrong\u003eLake Tanganyika\u003c\/strong\u003e, these fish live in colonies among empty snail shells on sandy lake bottoms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite their small size, Multies display bold personalities and complex social behavior. They dig, move, and arrange shells to create territories and breeding sites—making them a favorite for hobbyists who enjoy natural behaviors and colony dynamics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir compact size makes them ideal for \u003cstrong\u003enano cichlid tanks\u003c\/strong\u003e and species setups, offering the experience of African cichlids without needing a large aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUnique Shell-Dwelling Behavior:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lives and breeds in snail shells\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColony-Forming Cichlid:\u003c\/strong\u003e Social structure with fascinating interactions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSmall African Cichlid:\u003c\/strong\u003e Perfect for nano and smaller aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLake Tanganyika Species:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thrives in hard, alkaline water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHighly Active \u0026amp; Engaging:\u003c\/strong\u003e Constant digging and territory building\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCare \u0026amp; Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Neolamprologus multifasciatus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Multies, Shell Dweller Cichlid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lake Tanganyika, Africa\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1–1.5 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Territorial (best kept in colonies)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bottom dweller\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20 gallons minimum for a colony\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75–82°F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7.8–9.0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate to hard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnivore (small pellets, frozen foods, baby brine shrimp)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eShell Dweller Setup Tips\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo successfully keep \u003cstrong\u003eNeolamprologus multifasciatus\u003c\/strong\u003e, replicate their natural environment with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFine \u003cstrong\u003esandy substrate\u003c\/strong\u003e for digging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMultiple snail shells per fish\u003c\/strong\u003e (essential for territory and breeding)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRock structures to create boundaries\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStable \u003cstrong\u003ealkaline water parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese fish will constantly dig and rearrange shells, creating a dynamic and ever-changing aquascape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eColony Behavior\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMulties are best kept in groups of \u003cstrong\u003e6 or more\u003c\/strong\u003e, where they form structured colonies. Watching their interactions, territory building, and breeding behavior is one of the most rewarding aspects of keeping this species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese shell dwellers are best kept in a \u003cstrong\u003especies-only tank\u003c\/strong\u003e. They can also be housed with other small Lake Tanganyika species if space allows, but care must be taken due to their territorial nature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: How big do they get?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA: They grow to about 1–1.5 inches, making them one of the smallest African cichlids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: How many should be kept together?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA: A group of 6 or more is recommended to establish a healthy colony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Are they aggressive?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA: They are territorial around their shells but generally manageable in proper setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Can they be kept with other fish?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA: Best kept in species tanks or with other compatible Lake Tanganyika fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eShop with Confidence\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Tropical Treasures Wyo, we provide healthy, active fish ready to thrive in your aquarium. Our Neolamprologus multifasciatus are carefully selected and packed to ensure a smooth transition into your tank.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50506059088085,"sku":null,"price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/4545\/8133\/files\/Neolamprologus_Multi.png?v=1756046655","url":"https:\/\/tropicaltreasureswyo.com\/products\/shell-dweller-cichlid-neolamprologus-multifasciatus","provider":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}