Neolamprologus multifasciatus 'Kapampa'

Neolamprologus multifasciatus 'Kapampa' is a locality form of what is widely considered the world's smallest cichlid species, collected from the Kapampa area on the DRC coast of Lake Tanganyika. The Kapampa form shows the characteristic twelve or more bold vertical bars on a cream-white body that give the species its name, and may display slightly more vivid bar contrast than southern populations.

Multifasciatus forms large, complex shell-bed colonies where each individual claims a shell and defends it vigorously against neighbours, yet the colony as a whole responds cooperatively to threats. Males compete for access to females and will carry shells across the substrate to expand their territory. The behaviour of an established colony — constant digging, shell rearranging, and territorial skirmishes — provides endless entertainment.

The Kapampa form is ideal for nano Tanganyika setups of 30–40 L with a deep fine sand substrate and a generous provision of Neothauma-sized shells. It is hardy, breeds prolifically, and is entirely suitable for beginners who can maintain basic Tanganyika water chemistry. It pairs beautifully with Paracyprichromis in the open water of a slightly larger display tank.

Water: pH 7.8–9.0, GH 10–18, KH 8–14, temperature 24–27 °C; stable hard water. Tank: 30 L minimum for a colony; deep fine sand; at least 1.5 shells per fish. Feeding: Micro pellets, frozen Artemia nauplii, Cyclops, micro-worms; twice daily. Breeding: Shell-spawner; colony; prolific; fry accepted by colony; raise on Artemia nauplii. Compatibility: Species tank ideal; compatible with open-water Cyprichromis in larger tanks.