Similis Shell Dweller

1 Species Overview

The Similis Shell Dweller has a very unusual shape – it curls inside a shell. Although small, it is very popular. Gentle and sociable. Because it is popular yet has low fecundity, its price is not cheap.

Binomial: Neolamprologus similis

Adult size: 3-5 cm

Tank: 30 cm tank or larger

Sex: hard to tell by color/pattern; mature males are larger than females

2 Appearance & Physical Traits

Small and gentle, very popular, but lower fecundity means higher price. What are its traits?

Like the Multi (Neolamprologus multifasciatus) it has vertical stripes on the sides, but many more than the Multi, and fine clear lines cover all fins; the first stripe crosses above the forehead. When stable, the body is solid-colored with clear stripes.

The gentlest of the shell dwellers; parents raise fry themselves after spawning, so no separate removal needed. Small but especially popular; gentle, lives in groups, choosing shells as resting, hiding, and breeding spots.

3 Habitat & Living Environment

Many small-fish fans know this fish – small but loved for looks and temperament; lower fecundity means higher price. What environment raises it well? Recommend a single-species tank so growth and breeding are not affected.

I. Filtration – first choice drip filtration (great bio-filtration, can go 1-2 months without water change, but costly); overhead filter + CY-20 with 8W pump for mechanical, CY-20 for bio; similar result. Overhead alone needs more frequent changes in hot weather.

II. Stocking density – 60 cm tank: 6-10 individuals.

III. Substrate – shell sand or sea sand, 1-2 cm thick. Shell count about double the fish count, spread in piles of 3-4.

IV. Breeding – mature fish pair up; dominant males may hold several females – remove extra males. When two parents circle a shell flicking fins and drive others away, congratulations.

4 Feeding Guidelines

Breeding is hard, so keep a single species to avoid affecting growth/breeding. Not picky; can be fed standard tropical fish food.

Strongly territorial, but fish raised together rarely attack each other; introducing an adult not from the same batch risks being bitten to death. Food: mainly frozen brine shrimp plus prepared food. If you breed successfully, feed fry hatched brine shrimp or frozen brine shrimp larvae.