• Scientific Name: Neolamprologus multifasciatus (often shortened to “Multis”).
• Common Names: Multi-Stripe Shellie, Many-Banded Shell-Dweller.
• Origin: Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, East Africa.
• Adult Size: Males reach approx. 4 cm (1.6 inches); females are smaller, around 2.5 cm (1 inch).
• Lifespan: 5–8 years with proper care. 

• Tank Size: A minimum of 45–60 litres (approx. 10–13 imperial gallons) is suitable for a small colony. A long, shallow tank is better than a tall one to provide more floor space.
• Substrate: Use a deep layer (at least 5 cm) of fine coral sand or aragonite. These fish are Olympic-level diggers and will bury their shells until only the openings are visible.
• Shells: This is the most critical element. Provide at least two to three shells per fish. Escargot shells (available from speciality shops or supermarkets) or Neothauma shells are ideal.
• Decor: Keep it simple. Avoid large rocks that might crush fish if they dig underneath them. A few hardy plants like Anubias can be used but expect them to be moved or buried. 

• Temperature: 24°C – 27°C (75°F – 81°F).
• pH Range: 8.0 – 9.0 (Essential for health).
• Hardness: 12 – 25 °dGH.
• Conditioning: If your local tap water is soft, use a specific Tanganyikan buffer or salt mix to maintain high alkalinity. 

• Foods: High-quality crushed flakes, micro-pellets, and frozen treats like Brine Shrimp, Mysis, and Cyclops.
• Feeding Style: They prefer to catch food as it drifts past their shells rather than scavenging from the surface.

• Social Structure: They live in large, multi-generational colonies. It is best to start with a group of 6 or more (ideally with more females than males).
• Tank Mates: In smaller setups, they are best kept as a species-only tank. In larger tanks (90L+), they can live with other Tanganyikan cichlids like Julidochromis or Cyprichromis, provided there is clear territorial separation.
• Behaviour: Surprisingly feisty for their size; they will “bark” at and bite hands or nets that come too close to their shells. 

• Process: Females entice males to their shells to spawn. The fry remain deep inside the shell for several weeks.
• Colony Life: Unlike many cichlids, “Multis” are tolerant of their own fry. You will eventually see “tiers” of different-sized youngsters living together in the same shell bed.

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Our nationwide delivery service makes it easy to receive your fish directly at your door, anywhere in the UK, for a flat rate of just £30. This convenient service allows you to order up to 10kg of fish, with the assurance that they will arrive in excellent condition. To make the fishes journey as comfortable as possible we use Oxygen in the fish bags and heat packs in all the boxes of fish we send out.