questions about shell dwellers

One of the most controversial species in the hobby, general Cichlid conversation happens here!
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dorvex
Posts: 9
Joined: Wed Oct 09, 2024 9:12 pm

Re: questions about shell dwellers

Post by dorvex »

I had the best experience with Lamprologus ocellatus - they may not be the smallest, but they've got huge character. I had one male and a few females, and it was amazing watching them build and guard their homes. The males are quite the charmers, grabbing a female and forcing her into his shell for breeding. My male was a stunning silver with a dark purple spot on his "cheeks" and a lovely yellow around his fins and eyes - just beautiful in the light.
reelpursuit
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:20 pm

Re: questions about shell dwellers

Post by reelpursuit »

I'd be cautious about jumpers, I've come across several accounts of them.
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starluna
Posts: 14
Joined: Tue Feb 08, 2022 7:37 pm

Re: questions about shell dwellers

Post by starluna »

I'm making progress with the tank - slowly but surely. The old substrate is being washed out and replaced with the black sand I mentioned earlier. I'm leaning towards using native rocks for the hardscape. Now I just need to decide on the driftwood, lighting, and lid - that's still a work in progress.
reelpursuit
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:20 pm

Re: questions about shell dwellers

Post by reelpursuit »

If you don't kick off a journal thread soon, I swear I'll track you down and hijack your tank to start one myself.

I'd advise against driftwood - those shellies will just rearrange it to their liking, and it'll never stay put.
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starluna
Posts: 14
Joined: Tue Feb 08, 2022 7:37 pm

Re: questions about shell dwellers

Post by starluna »

I completely spaced that they'd rearrange the driftwood too, not just the rocks and shells. Guess that's just part of their charm. I'll get that journal started, don't worry, just need to figure out where to find those multis first.
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