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Ocellatus Shell Dweller

Lamprologus ocellatus (Steindachner, 1909)

Also called Ocellated Shell-dweller, Frog-faced Cichlid, Neolamprologus ocellatus, Gold Ocellatus (colour form)

SpeciesShort profile

From Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, on sandy bottoms scattered with rocks and empty Neothauma snail shells, typically 6 to 12 m deep.123

At a glance the quick version

Length5.8 to 6 cm123
Sizesmall
Big personality in a tiny fish
Fascinating shell-burying behaviour
Suits small dedicated setups
23

Looks how to spot one

Small shell-dwelling cichlid

A chunky little cichlid with a rounded, frog-like face. Males are clearly bigger and have gold-edged dorsal and anal fins, while females have white edges.23

Colourslight brown to tangold/yellow (gold morph)gold fin edging in males23

Personality what they are like

Feisty and protective of its shell and the space around it; it will happily nip at a hand that gets too close.23

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Busy around the bottom, burying and digging out shells with rapid tail movements.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Highly sensitive to ammonia and nitrite, so a well-cycled, clean tank is essential; better for keepers with some experience.3

Home where they are happiest

From about 40 to 60 cm tank (around 40 litres) for a pair or trio, with sand and plenty of empty snail shells. Temperature 23 to 27 C, pH 7.5 to 9.0, hardness 9 to 25 dGH.21

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Eats small invertebrates in the wild. Give mostly live and frozen foods; dry food is usually taken in time.123

Company who they like around

Can be kept as a pair or one male with 2 to 3 females; with enough shells a small colony forms.23

The story where it all began

Described by Steindachner in 1909, it has been placed in both Lamprologus and Neolamprologus. It is one of the classic shell dwellers of Lake Tanganyika, and a gold form is popular in the hobby.132

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It buries its home shell in sand using propeller-like tail motions.3

  2. 2

    Its bulbous face earned it the nickname 'frog-faced' cichlid.2

  3. 3

    Babies are only about 6 mm long when they hatch.3

  4. 4

    Females often lay their eggs inside escargot shells in aquariums.2

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List
Least Concern (assessed 11 March 2025)1
Taxonomy
Described by Steindachner in 19091

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Ocellatus Shell Dweller. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Ocellatus Shell Dweller?

Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed daily, but watch your fish and adjust if needed.1 Pet Wiki plan

What does an Ocellatus Shell Dweller eat, and what should it never eat?

It eats small invertebrates in the wild, so offer mostly live and frozen foods; dry food is usually taken in time. Never feed anything that could harm it, but specific foods to avoid vary, so ask your vet.123

How much space does an Ocellatus Shell Dweller need?

A tank from about 40 to 60 cm (around 40 litres) works for a pair or trio, with sand and plenty of empty snail shells.21

What temperature, light or water does an Ocellatus Shell Dweller need?

Keep the water at 23 to 27°C, pH 7.5 to 9.0, and hardness 9 to 25 dGH. Normal lighting is fine, but check with a good breeder for specifics.21

How often should I clean an Ocellatus Shell Dweller's home?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, weekly glass cleaning, and a monthly filter rinse in old tank water. This fish is sensitive to ammonia and nitrite, so regular testing is key.3 Pet Wiki plan

Can an Ocellatus Shell Dweller live with others?

Yes, it can be kept as a pair or one male with 2 to 3 females; with enough shells a small colony forms. It is feisty and protective of its space, so choose tankmates carefully.23

How long does an Ocellatus Shell Dweller live?

Lifespan varies, so ask your vet or a good breeder for specific guidance based on your setup.

Can I handle an Ocellatus Shell Dweller?

It is best not to handle this fish; it is feisty and protective of its shell and will nip at a hand that gets too close. Enjoy watching it from outside the tank.23

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.

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Multies

Where this comes from

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

  1. FishBase: Lamprologus ocellatus fishbase.seused for size, depth, water, diet, IUCN, describer
  2. Seriously Fish: Lamprologus ocellatus seriouslyfish.comused for care, tank, behaviour, dimorphism, colour forms, breeding
  3. Wikipedia: Lamprologus ocellatus en.wikipedia.orgused for shell burying, fry size, sensitivity, colours

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