What is a shell dweller fish?
What is a shell dweller fish?
The terms shell dwellers or shelldwellers, shell-breeding, or ostracophil are descriptive terms for cichlid fish that use the empty shells of aquatic snails as sites for breeding and shelter. The terms have no taxonomic basis, although most shell-dwelling cichlids are from Lake Tanganyikas lamprologine lineage.
Are shell dwelling cichlids aggressive?
Shell dwellers are among the smallest cichlids in the world. There may be a degree of respect for territorial boundaries, or they may behave like warrior tyrants, stealing females and shells from each other, and ravaging their enemy’s fry as they live in a permanent state of hostility.
What are the different types of shell dwellers?
Types of shell dwellers. Species include Neolamprologus multifasciatus, Neolamprologus similis and Neolamprologus callipterus The ocellatus group has the most attractively patterned and many of the most aggressive of the shell-dwelling species, which share a similar body shape and territorial behavior.
Who are the shell dwellers in the wild?
Species include Lamprologus ocellatus, Lamprologus stappersi, Lamprologus speciosus, and several species much more rare to the hobby. The Lepidiolamprologus group, now considered Neolamprologus species. These are larger shell dwellers and some may prefer mud-dwelling in the wild.
What kind of sand do shell dwellers use?
Often it’s the only way they can obtain fresh shells, in the hugely competitive housing market that is shell-dweller city. Avoid coarse coral sand, and plump for one of the finer sands like aquarium silver sand. Some of the ultra-fine, almost dusty substrates like those from JBL are worth a look.
Are there any shells in the genus Telmatochromis?
The genus Telmatochromis contains one definite shell dweller, Telmatochromis sp “temporalis shell,” and many species that will shell-dwell in captivity. The brevis group contains a number of species with heavy bodies and gentle temperaments, including Neolamprologus brevis and Neolamprologus calliurus.