{"product_id":"escargot-shells","title":"Escargot Shells","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEscargot shells are a staple for any shell dweller setup. In the wild, shell dwelling cichlids, species such as \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLamprologus ocellatus\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eNeolamprologus multifasciatus\u003c\/em\u003e, and \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNeolamprologus brevis\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003c\/em\u003ethese cichlid\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003edepend entirely on empty gastropod shells for survival. They sleep in them, spawn in them, raise fry in them and defend them as territory. \u003cstrong\u003eWithout shells,\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ethey simply won't thrive\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEscargot shells\u003c\/strong\u003e are the gold standard for shell dweller keepers. Their \u003cstrong\u003erounded opening and smooth interior\u003c\/strong\u003e make them accessible for a wide range of species and sizes, while the \u003cstrong\u003ethick, durable shell wall\u003c\/strong\u003e holds up long-term in hard, alkaline water without breaking down.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScatter 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, \u003cstrong\u003eprovide more shells than you have fish\u003c\/strong\u003e to reduce competition and give females a safe retreat away from dominant males.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow many to use:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a minimum of \u003cstrong\u003e3 to 5 shells per fish,\u003c\/strong\u003e but when it comes to shell dwellers, more is always better. Here's why:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColony building:\u003c\/strong\u003e Multis are highly social and form large, bustling communities. They use multiple shells to create territories, nurseries for fry, and safe hiding spots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBreeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Females claim individual shells to lay their eggs. Surplus shells encourage breeding and ensure females always have a designated spot.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAggression management:\u003c\/strong\u003e Even though they're tiny, Multis can get territorial. Ample shells allow subordinate fish to retreat and prevent bullying.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeally, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGeneral guide by setup:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSingle species tank:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimum 3–5 shells per fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColony or breeding setup:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5+ shells per fish to allow territory establishment and fry protection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFull tank colonies:\u003c\/strong\u003e Add as many as your tank allows, they breed fast and fry claim shells quickly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eSuitable for shell dwelling cichlids including Lamprologus, Neolamprologus and Telmatochromis species.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ripple Effect Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"3","offer_id":47182259814571,"sku":null,"price":6.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5","offer_id":47136888553643,"sku":null,"price":9.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"10","offer_id":47089040687275,"sku":null,"price":18.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20","offer_id":47182259847339,"sku":null,"price":36.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/www.rippleeffectaquatics.com.au\/products\/escargot-shells","provider":"Ripple Effect Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}