What Makes Them Special: Multi Shell Dwellers (Neolamprologus Multifasciatus) Tiny but Mighty: Males can grow up to 5 cm (2 inches) in the aquarium, while females are a little smaller, at 2.5 cm (1 inch). In the wild, they stay even smaller—males maxing out around 3 cm (1.2 inches) and females under 2.2 cm (0.87 inches)—making them one of the smallest cichlids out there. Shell Dwellers: Multies are famous for their love of snail shells, which they use as homes, creating a unique and endearing display in your tank. Community-Friendly: Despite their territorial nature around their shells, they’re peaceful overall, especially when housed with other small, non-aggressive fish. Care Tips: Tank Temperature: Keep the water between 75–80°F (24–27°C) to mimic their natural habitat. Water Parameters: They prefer hard water with a pH of 7.5–9.0 and a general hardness (GH) of at least 8° (140 ppm). Substrate: Aragonite sand works wonders for raising the pH and hardness levels in your tank, helping to create the ideal environment for these little fish. Tank Setup: Since Multies love to live in snail shells, be sure to provide plenty of empty shells (small to medium-sized) for them to claim as their own. These tiny cichlids add a unique touch to your aquarium, offering a window into the fascinating world of Lake Tanganyika’s shell-dwelling species. Watching them interact with their shells is both entertaining and educational!
