Lamprologus callipterus

The callipterus is one of the species with the most extreme size difference among cichlids: males reach 12–15 cm, while females stay at around 5 cm. In the lake the male carries dozens or even hundreds of empty snail shells in his mouth and collects them at a nest; several females that settle in these shells form the male's harem. The female is small enough to fit into a shell, but the male cannot. The lake also has "dwarf males" that stay the size of females and try to fertilize the eggs by entering the shell; in this respect it is a species frequently studied in behavioral science.

• At least 200 liters and a large sandy floor for 1 male and 3–4 females.
• Plenty of clean snail shells, 3–4 per female; the male carries them himself and collects them at his nest.
• Fine sand and a few rocks at the edges.
• pH 8–9, hard water; a 25% water change every week.

Carnivorous. Cichlid granules, frozen mysis, krill and brine shrimp are suitable. Because the females are small, finely sized food should also be given.

The male is dominant and aggressive around his shell nest; he hunts fish that fit in his mouth and the fry of other species. The females are attached to their shells and calm.

Good companions: large, robust Tanganyika species of its own size: Altolamprologus, large Julidochromis species, Synodontis catfish.

Avoid: other shell-dwelling cichlids (the male hunts them or takes their shells), small fish, shrimp, delicate species such as Cyprichromis.