The Shell-Dwelling Species

There are numerous Shell-Dwelling Cichlids, not all of which are even from the genus Neolamprologus or Lamprologus. These genus have undergone some revision; it is currently unclear which species belong to which genus, as they were all formerly Lamprologus. Some species are also less attached to their shell homes than others. A list of many Lamprologine Shell-Dwelling species is below:

Neolamprologus boulengeri
Neolamprologus brevis*
Neolamprologus calliurus
Neolamprologus hecqui
Neolamprologus multifasciatus*
Neolamprologus similus*
Lamprologus callipterus
Lamprologus caudopunctatus (Shell-Spawner)*
Lamprologus kungweensis
Lamprologus meleagris*
Lamprologus occelatus*
Lamprologus ornatipinnis*
Lamprologus signatus*
Lamprologus speciosus*

*denotes types suitable for tanks as small as 10 gallons.

There are also many undescribed species and/or races. Many of the species also have several races or collection points. It is imperative not to mix these races, as they will freely hybridize. Below are some examples of some popular shell-dwelling Cichlids. The caption under each image is the name of the species pictured.

Neolamprologus brevis "Zaire"

Lamprologus meleagrise

Lamprologus occelatus "Gold"

Neolamprologus calliurus "Giant"

Neolamprologus hecqui
(Technically a Mud-Dweller)

Neolamprologus multifasciatus
The Smallest Known Cichlid!