Multi Cichlid (Neolamprologus multifasciatus), Locally Bred!

* For the safety of our animals, we now ship live fish exclusively via UPS Next Day Air.  If your order contains this item, you will only see UPS Next Day Air as a shipping option during checkout *

We are now offering LOCALLY BRED specimens of this rare cichlid. These fish are bred by an expert breeder and delivered directly to our facility, which eliminates the otherwise much more stressful and extensive inbound shipment. This is particularly beneficial with this species, which can be sensitive in lengthy shipment.

This cichlid species is possibly the smallest cichlid in the world, but it has a big personality and is a fascinating aquarium subject!

The Multi Cichlid (Neolamprologus multifasciatus) is a very small shell-dwelling cichlid that is native to the deep shoreline areas of Lake Tanganyika in Africa. This fish is quite possibly the smallest of all cichlid species, with males growing to a maximum of 1.8 inches (4.6 cm) and females growing to a maximum of 1.4 inches (3.6 cm). It has become very popular in the aquarium hobby over the past several years, but it is very rare due to its slow growth rate and small spawn size. In the wild, it spawns in the empty shells of Neothauma tanganyicense snails.  Overall coloration of this fish is white or silver with gray to black striping and pastel hues when in adult breeding condition. Mature males often have red coloration along the top of the dorsal fin as well.

The Multi Cichlid will thrive in an aquarium with sparse decor. Since it is a shell-dweller, it should also be provided with several empty shells, which do not necessarily have to be the Neothauma tanganyicense species. Mature fish will often claim and defend a small territory around their respective home shells. This cichlid likes to dig, so it should be provided with a deep substrate bed of sand if possible. This species is small in size, but it is very territorial with its own kind and similar fish that enter its territory. Territoriality is typically at its peak during spawning. Dwarf shrimp and other small, delicate invertebrates should not be kept with the Multi Cichlid. If spawning is desired, tankmates of other species should be kept to a minimum or avoided altogether unless the aquarium is of considerable size with ample cover/decor. 

Feeding is simple for the unfussy Multi Cichlid. High-quality dry, frozen, and live meaty foods will all be readily accepted. Quality and variety are the keys to a diet that will ensure that this fish maintains optimal health and coloration, so this species should not be fed dry foods exclusively.

What We Like About This Fish:

• Very popular in the aquarium hobby
  
• Very small size for a cichlid
• Possible to breed in the aquarium
  
• Compatible with many other species in a spacious tank
• Potential to be a "centerpiece" fish

RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS:

• Temperature:  75° - 81° F (24° - 27° C)
• pH:  7.5 - 9.0
• KH:  8 - 25 KH
• Minimum tank size:  10-15 gallons for an adult pair.

CARE GUIDELINES:

• Diet:  Carnivorous. A variety of high-quality dry, frozen, and live meaty foods is necessary for optimal health and coloration.
• Social behavior:  Loosely social until sexual maturity. Breeding pairs are often aggressive to all other fish.
• Origin:  Tank-Bred, but indigenous to Lake Tanganyika, Africa
• Average adult size:  1.8 inches (4.6 cm) for males, 1.4 inches (3.6 cm) for females
• Average purchase size:  .5 - 1 inch (1.3 - 2.5 cm) for juveniles/young adults