Species Options
Neolamprologus multifasciatus (multies) — tiniest at 3cm, ultra colonial. N. similis — similar but slightly larger. N. brevis — pair-forming.
Multies are the best beginner choice — breed easily, fry survive in shell colonies.
Tank Setup
40L tank with 3-5cm aragonite sand substrate. pH 8.0-8.5, hardness high (dKH 10-15).
Scatter 15-25 empty escargot shells (from food stores, boiled clean). Fish claim shells as territories.
Filtration and Water
Sponge filter is ideal — no intake risk for fry. Small canister also works with sponge pre-filter.
Weekly 20% water changes with crushed coral in filter to maintain high pH.
Breeding and Colony Building
Multies breed constantly. Female lays eggs inside shell, defends until fry leave. Fry stay near shells for weeks.
Colony grows from 6 to 30+ fish in a year if stable. Sell or trade excess before overpopulation crashes the tank.