Lamprologus callipterus 'Maswa'

Lamprologus callipterus 'Maswa' is collected from around Maswa on the Tanzanian coast and exhibits the astonishing shell-carrying behaviour for which the species is famous. Dominant males, which are up to ten times the body mass of females, physically pick up and carry entire Neothauma shells across the sandy lake floor, aggregating them into a harem site that may contain twenty or more shells. Each shell houses a single female, who spawns and raises her brood independently while the male patrols the entire collection.

The extreme sexual size dimorphism of callipterus is unique among shell dwellers: females are tiny (3–4 cm) and can enter shells that the male cannot approach except via the aperture, while males reach 14 cm or more. This creates an interesting dynamic in the aquarium — the tank must be large enough for the male's movements yet also furnished with appropriate shells for the females.

The Maswa form is an intermediate-level species suited to aquarists who can provide a 200 L or larger aquarium with a deep sandy substrate and a generous shell bed of large Neothauma shells. The male's behaviour — carrying, stacking, and rearranging shells — is endlessly fascinating and makes callipterus one of the most unusual cichlids available to the advanced hobbyist.

Water: pH 7.8–9.0, GH 12–20, KH 8–16, temperature 24–27 °C; large tank needs strong filtration. Tank: 200 L minimum; deep sand; 15–25 large Neothauma shells; open swimming space for the male. Feeding: Carnivore; frozen Mysis, Artemia, earthworms; meaty cichlid pellets; twice daily. Breeding: Harem shell-spawner; female broods solo in shell; male defends the entire shell collection. Compatibility: Keep 1 male with 5–10 females; compatible with mid-water Cyprichromis in large tanks.