What size tank do shell dwellers need?
At least 10 gallons (38 liters) for a group of 4. The smallest standard tank that works is the 10 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Neolamprologus multifasciatus.
How many shell dwellers in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if shell dwellers are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many shell dwellers |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | up to 5 |
| 20 gallon long | up to 10 |
| 29 gallon | up to 14 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 20 |
| 55 gallon | up to 28 |
| 75 gallon | up to 38 |
| 125 gallon | 60 or more |
Check shell dwellers against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Lake Tanganyika fish: needs hard water, sand and empty snail shells.
- Keep at least 4. In smaller numbers they are stressed, or one gets picked on.
Tank mates for shell dwellers
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
Poor matches
- Betta: They need different water: Shell dweller likes a pH of 7.8–9, betta likes 6–7.8.
- Neon tetra: These fish do not share a comfortable pH range. Choose fish from similar water.
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar (about 12 in) can eat shell dweller (about 1.8 in).
Questions and answers
What size tank do shell dwellers need?
At least 10 gallons (38 liters) for a group of 4. The smallest standard tank that works is the 10 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many shell dwellers should be kept together?
At least 4. Shell dwellers are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can shell dwellers live in a 10 gallon tank?
Yes. A 10 gallon tank carries up to about 5 as the only fish in the tank.
What temperature do shell dwellers need?
75–81 °F (24–27 °C), with a pH of 7.8–9. In most homes that means a heater.
Can shell dwellers live with a betta?
It is not a good match. They need different water: Shell dweller likes a pH of 7.8–9, betta likes 6–7.8.
More fish
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.