Lamprologus brevis

Lamprologus brevis is a small shell-dwelling cichlid native to the southern sandy shores of Lake Tanganyika. Its stocky body and blue-iridescent scaling are attractive in their own right, and the animated shell-defence behaviour of both sexes provides constant entertainment in the aquarium. Easy to keep and breed in a dedicated small tank.

Water: 24-27°C, pH 7.8-9.0, hard alkaline water. Tank: 40-60L for a pair; fine sand, 2 shells per fish; Escargot or Helix shells are suitable. Feeding: Micro-pellet, baby brine shrimp, or crushed flake; small meals 2-3 times daily. Behaviour: Pair bond; female broods inside shell; male guards perimeter; fry are free-swimming after 10 days. Compatibility: Best in a species tank or alongside Paracyprichromis or Cyprichromis at higher levels.