Lamprologus ornatipinnis

Ornatipinnis takes its name from the decoration on its fins (ornatipinnis: with ornate fins). Although its light brown body looks plain, the males' dorsal and tail fins are patterned with fine dots and lines. Males reach 5–6 cm, while females stay noticeably smaller. It is known for burying its shells almost completely in the sand; females spend most of their time inside the shell or right at its opening.

• 54–60 liters for 1 male and 2–3 females; a wide footprint.
• At least 5–6 cm of fine sand; a deep substrate is needed because the shells get buried.
• 2–3 clean, unpainted snail shells per fish.
• pH 8–9, hard water; a 20–25% water change every week.

A small carnivore. Fine-grained granules, frozen cyclops and brine shrimp are suitable; feed small amounts 1–2 times a day.

It defends the area around its shell but is not as aggressive as ocellatus; it spends most of its time near its shell, close to the sand. Having calm fish in the upper water makes it more visible. The female guards her eggs inside the shell.

Good companions: Cyprichromis, Paracyprichromis and calm Julidochromis species (with enough space).

Avoid: other shell dwellers in a small tank, cichlids that hold territories on the bottom, large carnivorous fish. It eats baby shrimp.