General information - Neolamprologus meeli is a beautiful shell

dweller endemic to Lake Tanganyika, Africa. The meeli is found in

the waters of Burundi. Neolamprologus meeli is named after L van

Meel a Belgian scientist whom studied the lake fauna and flora.

The Neolamprologus meeli was the first shell-dweller cichlid to be

bred in the United States and in some Europe countries.     

Common Name - Meeli 

Scientific Name - Neolamprologus meeli 

Photo by: Dean

Origin - Lake Tanganyika, Africa 

Size – Up to 7cm 

First discovered - Poll, 1948 

Nutrition - Neolamprologus meeli is primarily an insectivorous cichlid feeding on small

invertebrates and freshwater copepods, in captivity they do well with most commercial foods,

frozen foods such as bloodworms, cyclops, baby brine shrimp and other frozen foods can

complete their diet.  

Behavior – Peaceful but become vigorously territorial when spawning

Maintenance and care - A tank of 15-20 gallon will be sufficient for a male and a female.

As a substrate it is recommended to use fine gravel or fine sand, the tank should be decorated

with plenty of shells. Neothauma Tanganicensis shell or empty apple snail shells will be great

for this dwarf cichlid. The Meeli will establish its territory around these shells. Neolamprologus

meeli do best in a species tank.

Water Parameters – Temperature: 23C-28C (73F-82F), pH 7.5-8.5

Breeding - Males are much larger when mature. Meeli form monogamous pairs while spawning. The

female chooses her shell and covers it with sand to hide it from potential predators then she will

lay her eggs. She will stay in her shell guarding the eggs and fry, while the male guards the territory.

They breed best in species tank. Adult female can lay up to 50 eggs. Fry can be fed with fry foods,

Artemia Nauplii or with crushed food.