Freshwater
Neolamprologus similis
Cichlidae, Pseudocrenilabrinae
Facts
Characteristics
- Length
- Up to 5 cm
- Body shape
- Elongated
Care
- Group
- Missing
- Smallest aquarium
- 5 liters
- Diet
- Missing
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Behavior
Water values
Smallest tank
Range
Videos
Neolamprologus Similis: Your Next Favorite Shell Dweller!
Prime Time AquaticsAug 1, 2026
Neolamprologus Similis: Thriving Shell Dweller Colony!
Prime Time AquaticsMar 28, 2026
Why You NEED Neolamprologus similis #shorts
Prime Time AquaticsDec 26, 2022
Shell Dweller Showdown! Neolamprologus multifasciatus vs Neolamprologus similis!
Prime Time AquaticsJun 27, 2020
More about the species
Description
Associated with large shell beds; also found among rubble of rocky habitats but only at deeper levels (deeper than 25 m); around shell beds species can be found as shallow as 10 metres. Maximal depth is 45 metres. Prefers shells to holes created by piling up pebbles and small stones; almost always found in colonies; spawning takes place inside the femal's shell. Copepods, ostracods, insect larvae, algal strands and sand grain found in stomach.
Other names
Other scientific names
- Lamprologus similis
In other languages
- Valekotiloahven
Articles
All articles
How to set up an African aquarium5 min read
Two completely different aquariums: forest rivers with soft, brown water, roots and leaves, and Rift Valley lake cichlids in hard, alkaline water with big rock piles.
How to add new fish4 min read
From the store to the tank: how to get the fish used to your water, why you should add only a few at a time, and what to watch for in the first few days.
Quarantine for new fish3 min read
Why new fish should live in a tank of their own for a few weeks before they move in, what you need, and what to look for.
Ich (white spot)4 min read
The most common disease in aquarium fish. How to recognize it, why it shows up, and how to get rid of it.