Description:
Escargot shells are a staple for any shell dweller setup. In the wild, shell dwelling cichlids, species such as Lamprologus ocellatus, Neolamprologus multifasciatus, and Neolamprologus brevis, these cichlid depend entirely on empty gastropod shells for survival. They sleep in them, spawn in them, raise fry in them and defend them as territory. Without shells, they simply won't thrive.
Escargot shells are the gold standard for shell dweller keepers. Their rounded opening and smooth interior make them accessible for a wide range of species and sizes, while the thick, durable shell wall holds up long-term in hard, alkaline water without breaking down.
Scatter them across a sand substrate and let your fish do the rest, they'll move, arrange and claim shells on their own terms. For breeding setups, provide more shells than you have fish to reduce competition and give females a safe retreat away from dominant males.
How many to use:
Provide a minimum of 3 to 5 shells per fish, but when it comes to shell dwellers, more is always better. Here's why:
- Colony building: Multis are highly social and form large, bustling communities. They use multiple shells to create territories, nurseries for fry, and safe hiding spots.
- Breeding: Females claim individual shells to lay their eggs. Surplus shells encourage breeding and ensure females always have a designated spot.
- Aggression management: Even though they're tiny, Multis can get territorial. Ample shells allow subordinate fish to retreat and prevent bullying.
Ideally, cover the bottom of your tank with sand and pack it with shells so the fish have a large shell bed to rearrange and claim as their own.
General guide by setup:
- Single species tank: Minimum 3–5 shells per fish
- Colony or breeding setup: 5+ shells per fish to allow territory establishment and fry protection
- Full tank colonies: Add as many as your tank allows, they breed fast and fry claim shells quickly
Suitable for shell dwelling cichlids including Lamprologus, Neolamprologus and Telmatochromis species.
Escargot Shells
Escargot Shells
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