Pet Wiki

Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Multies

Neolamprologus multifasciatus (Boulenger, 1906)

Also called Multi, Shellies, Multifasciatus Shell Dweller

SpeciesShort profile

From Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, living on sandy beds of empty snail shells (usually around 6 to 12 m deep).123

At a glance the quick version

Length2.5 to 5 cm213
Sizesmall
Lives in lively colonies
Very small, fits modest tanks
Constantly busy digging and rearranging shells
23

Looks how to spot one

Tiny shell-dwelling cichlid

One of the tiniest cichlids, with a pale body marked by many thin vertical bars. Males grow noticeably bigger than females and show stronger colour with a reddish tint on the top of the dorsal fin.32

Colourspale beige with many thin vertical barsmore intense colour in malesreddish tint on the upper dorsal fin in males3

Personality what they are like

Bold for its size and very territorial around its patch of shells, and may even nip a hand that intrudes. Neighbours settle into a busy colony.31

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Always on the move, digging sand and shifting shells around its territory.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Provide more empty shells than fish and keep the water clean and stable.3

Home where they are happiest

From about 40 litres (45 x 30 x 30 cm) for a pair, larger for a colony. Deep sand (at least 5 cm) and many empty snail shells. Temperature 24 to 27 C, pH 7.5 to 9.0, hardness 8 to 25 dGH.321

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Picks plankton drifting above the colony. Feed mainly small live and frozen foods; dry foods are usually accepted.13

Company who they like around

A colony species; keep more females than males and give every fish its own shell.31

The story where it all began

Described by Boulenger in 1906, this shell dweller became a hobby favourite because whole colonies can be kept and watched in small aquariums.13

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It is often called the smallest known cichlid; wild males reach only about 3 cm.2

  2. 2

    Wild colonies can number in the thousands.2

  3. 3

    Unlike most cichlids it has only one nostril on each side of the head.2

  4. 4

    Tests show it prefers intact shells, especially larger or wider-mouthed ones.2

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List
Not Evaluated (per FishBase)1
Taxonomy
Described by Boulenger in 19061

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Multies. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Multies?

Feed small amounts once or twice a day, as Furry Diary's starting plan suggests. They mainly pick plankton, so offer small live and frozen foods; dry foods are usually accepted too.31 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Multies eat, and what should it never eat?

Multies eat plankton drifting above their colony, so feed small live and frozen foods like brine shrimp or daphnia; dry foods are also fine. Avoid any large or hard foods that could harm their tiny mouths.31

How much space does a Multies need?

A pair needs about 40 litres (45 x 30 x 30 cm), but a colony needs more space. Provide deep sand (at least 5 cm) and many empty snail shells for each fish.321

What temperature, light or water does a Multies need?

Keep water temperature between 24 and 27°C, pH 7.5 to 9.0, and hardness 8 to 25 dGH. Normal aquarium lighting is fine, but ensure stable water conditions.321

How often should I clean a Multies's home?

Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, weekly glass cleaning, and a monthly filter rinse in old tank water (never tap water). Test water weekly to keep it stable. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Multies live with others?

Yes, they are a colony species and do best with more females than males, each with its own shell. They are territorial around their patch but settle into a busy colony.31

How long does a Multies live?

Their lifespan varies; ask a good breeder or exotic-pet vet for specific details. With proper care, they can live several years.

Can I handle a Multies?

Handling is not recommended as they are tiny and may nip a hand that intrudes. They are best observed in their tank, always on the move digging and shifting shells.312

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

You might also like

Ocellatus Shell Dweller

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FishBase: Neolamprologus multifasciatus fishbase.seused for size, depth, water, diet, describer
  2. Wikipedia: Neolamprologus multifasciatus en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, size by sex, colonies, shell research, nostril fact
  3. Seriously Fish: Neolamprologus multifasciatus seriouslyfish.comused for care, tank, behaviour, dimorphism, breeding

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.