Neolamprologus brevis

Alternative names

 * Brevis Shell Dweller,

Sexing

 * Males tend to be larger and stockier than the females. They will also be dominant over females.

Tank compatibility

 * Shelldweller Cichlids are best kept in species tanks, and they will breed readily. Keep in pairs.

Diet

 * Not picky eaters. They will take prepared pellets and flakes, as well as live and frozen foods.

Feeding regime

 * Feed once or twice a day.

Environment Specifics

 * Provide each pair with sandy substrate and several large empty shells. Keep in alkaline water.

Behaviour

 * A pair of these fish will be devoted to each other and their lives will revolve around their chosen shell. They do develop territories but these territories are small. More than one pair can be kept to a tank, although the males may display to each other and defend their territories.

Identification

 * There are two variations available of this Cichlid, the "Standard" and the "Sunspot". The Standard has a brownish body with 9 tan stripes down its side. The Sunspot is a brownish-mauve coloured fish with a bright golden spot on each side of the fish right behind its pectoral fins. During periods of stress, the fish develops light tan stripes down its sides.