Similis shell dweller

Neolamprologus similis

Pale bars continue onto the head and neck.

A shell dweller easily confused with multifasciatus.

Adult length: Up to 4.5 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 24–27 °C
pH: 7.5–9
Hardness: 8–25 dGH

Natural habitat: Usually inhabits extensive shell beds, also occurring among rocky rubble in deeper water.

A tiny shell dweller can still attack fish entering its shell territory.

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Appearance and identification

Pale bars on a darker body continue onto the head and neck, unlike the plainer-headed multifasciatus. Adult males are larger and may develop a small forehead hump.

Social behaviour and territory

Adults defend shell territories. A colony is not a conflict-free shoal; watch subordinate fish and keep a separation option.

Compatibility limits

Check hard alkaline water requirements and competing bottom territories for each companion.

Space requirements

A pair needs a 45 × 30 cm footprint and 30 cm height; a colony needs more space. Provide more shells than fish, spaced apart.

Aquarium environment

Digs less than many shell dwellers, so shallower sand is fine. Keep shell territories and open bottom space rather than a dense carpet.

Diet and feeding

Use appropriately small live or frozen foods and accepted complete foods; confirm every fish feeds.

Sources

www.fishbase.se ↗ 2026-10-25

www.seriouslyfish.com ↗ 2026-10-22

www.aquariumcoop.com ↗ 2026-10-22

imperialtropicals.com ↗ 2026-10-22