General information - The similis is a magnificent shell dweller from

lake Tanganika. This small shell dweller cichlid  is named for its

"similarity" to the Neolamprologus multifasciatus; some people even

named it Big-Eyed Multi or similar Multi. Although named for its

similarity to Neolamprologus multifasciatus these two small cichlids

are quit different. Similis have light stripes on a dark body were multis

have dark stripes on a light body. Similis have stripes on the neck and

head while the multis have stripes only on their body.

Common Name - Zebra Shelldweller, Big Eye Multifasciatus 

Scientific Name - Neolamprologus similis, Lamprologus similis

Photo by: Dean

Origin - Lake Tanganyika, Africa 

Size – Up to 5 cm (2 in) 

First discovered - Büscher, 1992 

Nutrition - The similis is primarily an insectivorous cichlid, in captivity they do well with most commercial 

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

their diet.  

Behavior – Semi aggressive 

Maintenance and care - A tank of 15-20 gallon will be sufficient for a male and 3-4 females. As a

substrate it is recommended to use fine gravel or fine sand, the tank should be decorated with shells.

Neothauma Tanganicensis shell or empty apple snail shells will be great to this tiny cichlid. The similis

will establish its territory around these shells. These cichlids will do best in a species tank.   

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

Breeding – Shell Spawner, to spawn them you will certainly need to setup a tank just for them.

Like other shell dwelling cichlids, Neolamprologus similis is a harem spawner which means 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.

Fry will number 6-25 and can be feed with fry foods, Artemia Nauplii or with crushed food.