Lamprologus ocellatus

Rounded, bulging facial profile; it buries shells and guards near the entrance.

The face has a rounded, bulging profile. Males tend to have gold dorsal- and anal-fin edges, while females have whitish edges. It buries shells and guards near the entrance.

Adult length

Up to 6 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)

Water temperature

23–27 °C

Lifespan

5–8 years

pH

7.5–9

Hardness

10–25 dGH

Natural habitat

Uses bottom habitats with empty snail shells for shelter and breeding.

Small size does not mean docility; it may even bite a hand entering its territory. The lack of clear vertical flank bars helps distinguish it from N. brevis.