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Multies (Neolamprologus multifasciatus)
Photo: Richard Andre Ingebrigtsen, Department of Aquatic Biosciences, University of Tromsø, Rex shock at en.wikipedia · Public domain via Wikimedia Commons

Multies

Neolamprologus multifasciatus · Cichlidae

Also known as Multifasciatus, Shell-dwelling cichlid

Intermediate

The smallest cichlid in the world: a shell-dwelling Tanganyikan colony for a 60 cm tank.

Minimum tank
75 L
Temperature
24–27 °C
pH
7.8–9
Adult size
4 cm
Group size
6+
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Care requirements
Minimum tank volume
75 L
Temperature
24–27 °C
pH
7.8–9
Hardness
10–25 dGH
Lifespan
5–8 years
Diet
Carnivore — micro pellets, frozen brine, cyclops.
Care level
Intermediate
Origin & habitat
Native region
Lake Tanganyika
Water type
Freshwater
Biotope
Vast beds of empty snail shells over sand
Natural conditions
Hard alkaline water, deep sand and lots of escargot shells.
Behaviour & stocking
Temperament
Semi-aggressive
Minimum group
6 fish
Swims
Bottom
Good tank mates
Julidochromis
Small Tanganyikan rock dwellers
Avoid
Soft water
Large cichlids
Shrimp
Breeding & difficulty
Breeding difficulty
Beginner
Sexing
Males are noticeably larger.
Notes
Breeds continuously in shells; colonies grow themselves.
Common ailments
Ich
Nitrate stress in small volumes

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