Shell Dweller
Neolamprologus multifasciatus
Also sold as Multifasciatus · Multies · Multi shell dweller
Shell Dweller (Neolamprologus multifasciatus) is a semi-aggressive freshwater fish that reaches about 4.5 cm (1.8 in) and swims in open water in a shoal. It wants 75–81°F (24–27°C) and pH 7.5–9, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 40 L (11 gal).
Check a freshwater stocking selection with your tank size and animal counts.
Try it in a tank
Put Shell Dweller in a 3D tank at your size and see how it sits with everything else. Free with an account.
At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 4.5 cm (1.8 in) |
| Minimum tank | 40 L (11 gal) |
| Group size | Can be kept singly |
| Temperature | 75–81°F (24–27°C) |
| pH | 7.5–9 |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| Lifespan | 5–8 years |
Before it goes in
- Shell Dweller needs at least 40 L (11 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 15 Gallon.
- It is the wrong size to share a tank with Goldfish, Angelfish and Axolotl: it ends up as food.
- It holds at 75–81°F (24–27°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Goldfish and Discus.
- It is semi-aggressive — plan the tank around it rather than adding it to a finished community.
- It digs in the substrate. A freshly planted carpet — Dwarf Hairgrass Mini and Downoi — gets lifted before it roots.
Shell Dweller: care and setup
What tank size does it need?
At least 40 L (11 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 15 Gallon.
What water does it want?
75–81°F (24–27°C), pH 7.5–9.
How long does it live?
5–8 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly and Otocinclus.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| Shell Dweller | Black Phantom Tetra | Checker Barb | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 4.5 cm | 4.5 cm | 4.5 cm |
| Min tank | 40 L | 60 L | 68 L |
| Group | 1+ | 6+ | 6+ |
| Temperature | 75–81°F (24–27°C) | 72–82°F (22–28°C) | 64–77°F (18–25°C) |