Neolamprologus similis, lat. Neolamprologus similis- Neolamprologus similis distribution
Family: Cichlidae;
Genus: Neolamprologus;
Species and synonyms: Neolamprologus similis (Neolamprologus similis, Lamprologus similis, Zebra Shell Dweller).
GBIF:
Neolamprologus similis (lat. Neolamprologus similis) is a species of ray-finned fish from the order Cichliformes, family Cichlidae, genus Neolamprologus. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, a popular representative of shell-dwelling cichlids.
Distribution. Neolamprologus similis is endemic to Lake Tanganyika, found mainly in its southern part, off the coast of Zambia and Tanzania. The species prefers sandy and shell-strewn bottom areas at depths from 5 to 20 meters, where empty snail shells are present, serving as shelter and spawning sites. Unlike many other shell-dwelling cichlids, Neolamprologus similis often forms colonies of several dozen individuals, where each fish occupies its own shell.
Care requirements. Neolamprologus similis is one of the smallest shell-dwelling cichlids, growing up to 4–5 cm. For keeping a small group (5–10 specimens), an aquarium of 50 liters or more is recommended. Empty snail shells must be placed on the bottom — 2–3 shells per fish, arranging them in groups to create colonies. Optimal water parameters: temperature 24–27°C, hardness 8–20 dGH, pH 7.5–9.0. Powerful filtration, aeration and weekly water changes of 20–25% are required. Diet: live and frozen foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, cyclops), as well as high-quality dry flakes and granules with high protein content.
Neolamprologus similis is a monogamous shell-dwelling cichlid that forms stable pairs that can last for life. Spawning occurs inside the shell, where the female lays up to 20–30 eggs. The female cares for the eggs and fry, remaining at the entrance to the shell, while the male guards the territory and helps protect the offspring. The incubation period lasts about 7–10 days, after another 5–7 days the fry begin to leave the shell and switch to independent feeding. Fry are fed brine shrimp nauplii, microworms and fine dry food. They reach sexual maturity by 6–8 months. A characteristic feature is the formation of colonies where several pairs live together and jointly defend the territory.
In the wild, Neolamprologus similis feeds on small invertebrates, which it digs out of the sand. The fish show sexual dimorphism: males are larger and slimmer, with more developed fins, females are smaller, with a rounded abdomen. Coloration: body with characteristic vertical dark brown stripes on a light background, fins with a bluish sheen. For its striped coloration and miniature size, the species is often called "zebra shell-dweller". Behavior is peaceful towards other species, but during spawning the fish become territorial.
Thanks to its miniature size, interesting behavior and striking coloration, Neolamprologus similis is very popular among aquarists specializing in Tanganyikan cichlids. They can be kept together with other peaceful shell-dwelling cichlids and small schooling fish, but it is not recommended to add them to aggressive and large species. Under favorable conditions, the lifespan is 5–8 years.
Neolamprologus pulcher