#Trending

Описание: Shell-dwelling Multis is the common name for the fish species Neolamprologus\; multifasciatus, a very popular and fascinating dwarf cichlid in the aquarium hobby. They are often simply called "Multis" or "Multies." Here are the key facts about them: 1. Origin and Habitat Origin: Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. Habitat: They live in large, sandy, shell-strewn areas of the lake, often called "shell beds." Shell Dwellers: As their name suggests, they use empty snail shells (especially from the Neothauma\; tanganyicense snail) for shelter, breeding, and territory. 2. Appearance and Size Size: They are one of the smallest cichlids in the world, reaching only about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 - 4 cm) in length. Appearance: They have a slender, pale tan to silvery body with multiple thin, dark, vertical stripes (hence multifasciatus). 3. Unique Behavior (The Colony) Colony Builders: They are highly social and form large, tight-knit colonies in the aquarium, which is their most prized characteristic. Territoriality: Each fish, particularly the females, will claim and fiercely defend a shell. They will constantly move sand around to bury and position their shells, acting like little bulldozers. Breeding: They are prolific shell brooders. The female lays her eggs inside her shell, which she defends. The male guards the wider territory around the cluster of shells. They are one of the few cichlids where multiple generations can live together in the same colony. 4. Aquarium Care (Basic Needs) Tank Size: A tank of 10 to 20 gallons or more is suitable for a small colony, but a 20-gallon long or a 40-gallon breeder is often preferred to give them more floor space. Water Parameters: They require hard, alkaline water, mimicking Lake Tanganyika: pH: 8.0 - 9.0 Temperature: 75 - 79^\circ \text{F} (24 - 26^\circ \text{C}) Substrate: A deep layer of fine, soft sand is essential, as they love to dig and bury shells. Decoration: You must provide plenty of empty shells (such as escargot shells or polished turbo shells). You should offer more shells than fish, placing them in clusters for the colony to claim.