Neolamprologus brevis 'Sumbu'

Neolamprologus brevis 'Sumbu' is one of the most charming shell-dwelling cichlids available to the hobbyist, collected from the sandy shallows around the Sumbu peninsula in Zambia. Males are noticeably larger than females and stake out a territory centred on a single Neothauma shell, which they defend with surprising ferocity despite their diminutive size.

In captivity this species thrives in a dedicated species tank or alongside other calm Tanganyika sand-dwellers. Provide a bed of fine white sand at least 5 cm deep and scatter several empty Neothauma or escargot shells — at least three per fish — to allow every individual a refuge. The male courts females by displaying at the shell entrance, quivering and extending his fins.

Breeding occurs readily once the pair settles; fry emerge from the shell after roughly ten days and the female guards them closely while the male defends the broader territory. Offer a varied diet of small frozen foods such as Artemia, Daphnia, and Cyclops to maintain peak colouration and breeding condition.