General information – The 'Lamprologus' sp. "Ornatipinnis Zambia"

inhabits coastal regions where sandy shores are littered with empty

shells of the snail Neothauma Tanganicensis. These shells provide

shelter and a spawn site to this astonishing dwarf cichlid. Both male

and female have their own shells; this species completely buries its

shell. Like all shell-dwelling cichlids it is recommended to keep it in

a species tank.  

Common Name – Yellow fin Ocellatus 

Scientific Name - 'Lamprologus' sp. "Ornatipinnis Zambia"

Photo by: Amir Levi

Origin - Zambia 

Size – Up to 2.5 in 

First discovered – Unknown  

Nutrition – Carnivore, in the wild the Yellow fin ocellatus feeds on aquatic insects. In captivity it will accept

flake and pellet food but also require meaty food, frozen or live food will be ideal for this magnificent cichlid. 

Behavior - Mildly Aggressive  

Maintenance and care - A 60-80 cm aquarium is recommended, with a 3-5 cm sandy soil, and some

suitable plants such as Anubias barteri 'Nana', Sagittaria subulata can be nice addition to the tank, the

Yellow fin ocellatus need shells (Neothauma Tanganicensis shell or apple snail shell) in the tank in order

to find shelter and as a place to spawn. It is recommended to keep the 'Lamprologus' sp. "Ornatipinnis

Zambia" in a species tank.   

Water Parameters - Temperature: 75F-81F (24C-27C), PH: 7.8- 9, GH: 12-20  

Breeding - Shell Spawner, Best kept a male with 3-4 females, the male can spawn with more then one 

female. The female will lay the eggs in the shell and then the male will milt them. The female will stay in

the shell to fan the eggs for a few hours at a time until they hatch. As the fry hatch they stay in the shells

enjoying shell protection. As they get mature they will leave the shell to explore their territory but always

remain close to it. Fry can be feed with liquid food, fry food or with Artemia