Edit Neolamprologus ocellatus
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Name
Scientific name
Neolamprologus ocellatus
Described by
Bracketed
Family
Cichlidae
Summary
The ocellated shell-dweller, Neolamprologus ocellatus, is a small shell-brooding cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. It buries its shell un…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
60mm, standard length
Tank size
Not recorded
Water
Temperature and pH
Temperature 23–27°C, pH 7.5–9
Hardness
10–25dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Territorial
Social needs
Not recorded
Community suitability
Not recorded
Where it lives
Countries
Not recorded
Supporting text
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika.
Habitat
It is found in areas with scattered rocks and areas of open sand around the shoreline of the lake, in areas where the substrate is littered with empty snail sh…
Aquarium size
18" x 12" x 12" (45cm x 30cm x 30cm) - 40 litres for a pair or a single male and two or three females.. A larger tank is required for a colony.
Maintenance
The setup should have open areas of sandy substrate to which should be added a good number of empty snail shells (see breeding section below). More shells shou…
Water conditions
Temperature: 23 – 27 °C73 – 81 °F pH: 7.5-9.0 Hardness: 10-25°H
Diet
Live and frozen varieties should form the bulk of the diet, although dried foods are usually accepted.
Behaviour and compatibility
A territorial species that will defend its shell and the small territory around it vigorously. It can be combined with species that inhabit other areas of the …
Sexual dimorphism
Males grow much larger than females. The dorsal and anal fins of males also have gold edging, while those of females have white edging.
Reproduction
Quite easy. Shell brooder. It may breed in a community situation but if you want to raise a full brood of these fish a separate tank is best. Set up the aquari…
Notes
A charming little cichlid with real character, N. ocellatus is a deservedly popular hobbyists' fish. It has an endearing habit of burying its shell and defendi…
References
References
No references