Neolamprologus multifasciatus 'Chituta'

The Chituta Bay collection of Neolamprologus multifasciatus yields specimens with marginally bolder, higher-contrast vertical banding compared to other Zambian populations, making this a sought-after locality form among multi-enthusiasts. Chituta Bay is a shallow sandy bay on the Zambian shoreline known for dense Neothauma shell accumulations where large multifasciatus colonies thrive.

In captivity the Chituta form behaves exactly like other multifasciatus populations: forming a shell-bed colony with each individual defending its own shell against neighbours. Males are larger than females and may claim two or three adjacent shells to build a mini-territory within the broader colony. Shell rearranging, digging, and chasing provide constant activity that makes this one of the most entertaining nano cichlids available.

A 30–40 L aquarium with deep fine sand and a minimum of one shell per fish (ideally 1.5–2 per fish) will support a thriving colony. Regular small water changes maintain water quality without disturbing the complex social dynamics of the group. Feed micro-sized foods — Artemia nauplii, micro-worms, and fine pellets — for optimal condition and breeding frequency.

Water: pH 7.8–9.0, GH 10–18, KH 8–14, temperature 24–27 °C; regular small water changes. Tank: 30 L+; deep fine sand; generous shell provision; sponge filter. Feeding: Fine micro pellets, Artemia nauplii, micro-worms, Cyclops; twice daily. Breeding: Shell-spawner colony; very prolific; raise fry on Artemia nauplii within the colony. Compatibility: Species tank; compatible with Paracyprichromis or Cyprichromis in a larger tank.