How difficult is it to keep Ocellated Shell-dweller?

Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.

What is the ideal temperature for Ocellated Shell-dweller?

The ideal temperature for Ocellated Shell-dweller is 23〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Ocellated Shell-dweller?

The average lifespan of Ocellated Shell-dweller is 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Ocellated Shell-dweller get?

Ocellated Shell-dweller typically reaches 5-6cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Ocellated Shell-dweller?

Ocellated Shell-dweller feeds on: Mainly frozen and live foods, plus prepared foods. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Ocellated Shell-dweller?

The price of Ocellated Shell-dweller varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Ocellated Shell-dweller

Beginner

Lamprologus ocellatus

A Lake Tanganyika shell-dweller under 6cm long. It uses empty snail shells on the lake bed as home and spawning site, burying and excavating them while defending a tiny territory.

Difficulty

Beginner

Temperature

23〜27℃

Lifespan

3-5 years

Size

5-6cm

Diet

Mainly frozen and live foods, plus prepared foods

About

Lamprologus ocellatus is a small cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika that lives in empty snail shells scattered over sand at 6-12m. FishBase records a maximum of 5.8cm TL and Seriously Fish gives 6cm SL. It carries sand in its mouth to excavate around its shell or bury it, shaping its own nest, and defends that shell fiercely despite its size. A tank of about 45 x 30 x 30cm (40 litres) with more shells than fish suits it, at pH 7.5-9.0, 10-25 dGH and 23-27C. It spawns inside the shell; eggs hatch in about three days and fry swim after roughly ten, with the female guarding them alone. In colonies, keep more females than males and add surplus shells to spread out disputes.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Ocellated Shell-dweller

The Ocellated Shell-dweller lives 3-5 years.

Size of the Ocellated Shell-dweller

The Ocellated Shell-dweller grows to 5-6cm.

Temperature & humidity for the Ocellated Shell-dweller

The ideal temperature for the Ocellated Shell-dweller is 23〜27℃.

Basic Info

Origin

Lake Tanganyika, Africa (endemic, 6-12m depth)

Lifespan

3-5 years

Size

5-6cm

Care Specifications

pH: 7.5–9
Hardness (GH): 10–25 dGH
Water Temp.: 23–27℃
Min. Tank: 40 L

Semi-aggressivePairBreeding: Easy

Sources: Seriously Fish / FishBase

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Lamprologus ocellatus (Steindachner, 1909)

Synonyms: Neolamprologus ocellatus

Authority databases: FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / FishBase (IUCN assessment: LC)

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.