Shell Dweller Cichlid

Shell dwellers are carnivorous and require high-protein foods including frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small live foods. Feed small portions once daily, as they are bottom feeders that forage naturally. Supplement with quality carnivore pellets designed for small cichlids.

Highly territorial and aggressive toward conspecifics outside their shell-dwelling group; males aggressively defend harems of females within shells. They are bottom-dwellers that spend most time inside or near empty snail shells, emerging to feed and patrol territory. Despite aggression toward their own kind, they are relatively peaceful toward unrelated fish species.

Breeding in captivity is moderately difficult and requires multiple shells per pair, stable water conditions, and minimal disturbance. Males are mouthbrooders that guard shells containing eggs and fry; expect 10-40 fry per spawn. Fry are difficult to raise due to their small size and need for infusoria and micro-foods initially.