Shell Dweller Project

[fry_lover]

Hi

I am semi-experienced Cichlid keeper,

I have a 24x12x15 tank empty (approx 70 litres / 15 gallon)

i would like to start a shell-dweller Tangy breeding project

I am particuarly drawn to MEELI and OCELLATUS species

my main questions are

1. should i stick to ONLY ONE species if i want to do a breeding project or can i mix the two species

2. whether its one or two species, how many fish in total do you recommend for the 15G set-up

3. how easy is it to sex these fish? i understand i should be aiming to have more females than males

looking for responses from people with direct knowledge/experience of these fish, thanks


PS - i live in London, UK, close to ideal tap water parameters, pH of approx 8.0 and last time i tested GH 18(ish) KH (14ish)

 

[stang1]

It is normally recommended to keep one shell-dwelling species to the tank as they will fight.
When I first set up my 48G tank I put Ocellatus and Multis in together, dividing their territories with big pieces of rock down the middle of the tank. Sadly, it didn't work out as they kept going into each others areas and nipping at each other.
I now have 3 pairs of Multis in the tank and within 2-3 months they have produced about 40 fry between them.
I found the Ocellatus to be extremely aggresive (even nipping at me) and although he bred with one of the females, after about 5 days he constantly harassed and chased her.
I'm not sure on the behaviour of the Meeli so hopefully someone else can help you out.
Have a look at this link to get a better idea of the Ocellatus:

Ocellatus

 

[MojoDex]

meeli will never be happy in a tank that size im afraid they just out grow that tank as they are very active for a shell dweller. you also have to take into account they will be breeding eventually(pending good conditions) so you will end up with more than you originally bought anyhow.

occelatus would be fine in a tank that size as would almost all shell dweller species except for meeli and id try to refrain from l callipterus, l kungweensis, n calliurus and n obscurus though that said those 4 species ive found in my experience are exceptionally hard to come by anyway.

personally i would recommend brevis or multies they just have so much personality and are a pleasure to watch brevis esspecially like to watch you and beg for food

as for stocking id just buy 3-4 put them in the tank and they will provide you with lots i currently have over 60 multies i started with 3 around 6 months ago so they will breed no point wasting money on buying loads is there!