Dwarf Shell Dwellers

[aquachromis]

Hi all,
I purchased a new 10gallon tank over the weekend and was considering stocking it with a pair of dwarf shell dwellers. After a bit of research, i really like the looks of Neolamprologus caudopunctatus. I've found a few sites that say a 10 gallon if fine for them, others say 20. Does anyone have any experience with this species that can advise me? And, if 10G is too small for them, what species would this size tank work with?

Thanks,
Adam C.

[finz]

I would recommend a trio of

multifasciatus
occelatus
brevis
similis
or
meleagris

Caudopunctatus spend more time in the rocks than in shells so if you really want to observe breeding in shells, they might not be the best choice. You probably could keep a pair in a 10 gallon but I wouldn't do it myself - I would give them a 20.

[aquachromis]

thanks for the advice finz. when i do purchase my shell dwellers, what type of shells make good homes? what size should the opening of the shell be? would turbo snail shells work?

Adam C.

[finz]

Turbo shells work the best. I buy them in the 1 1/2 to 2 inch range. The females use the smaller ones and the males use the larger ones.

[Boilermaker]

I agree with Finz on his selection of shelldwellers, I have just recently got rid of my caudopairs, however mine did breed in shells that may be because they were in a community and this was their only safehaven.

http://www.cichlidforums.com/postimages/2003-04-01/10027-001.php?set_albumName=album09&id=DCP_0389