Multifasciatus Shell Dweller

The multifasciatus shell dweller, or multi shell dweller, actively defends his little territory around his shell, which doesn't need to be big since these little Tanganyikan cichlids only grow to two inches. The multi shell dweller cichlid is prized for the attractive light blue and brown stripe pattern on the body and his pugnacious attitude. All shell dwellers are hardy and great additions to community tanks and peaceful cichlid tanks. These small fish love their shells, so try to keep a few in the aquarium that are lightweight and not too large for them to manipulate but large enough for them to get into.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Use a fine sand bottom they can dig in and provide more empty snail shells (escargot shells work well) than there are fish. Lake Malawi and Lake Tanganyika cichlids need hard, alkaline water; crushed coral or aragonite sand helps hold the pH up.

Feeding: Feed crushed flake or micro pellets once or twice a day, only as much as they eat in a couple of minutes. They also enjoy frozen brine shrimp.

Tankmates: Keep shell dwellers in a species tank or with small, peaceful Tanganyikans like cyprichromis or julidochromis. Larger cichlids will bully or eat them.

Good to know: Multis are the smallest shell dwellers and live in colonies, digging into the sand around their shells.