Neolamprologus similis

The similis is a small shell-dwelling cichlid that shares the same way of life as the multifasciatus and is confused with it at first glance. The easiest way to tell them apart is the lines: in the multifasciatus the thin vertical lines end behind the head, while in the similis they continue over the head to the eye. Its body is slightly slimmer and longer; males reach 5 cm.

In behavior it is slightly calmer and more active than the multifasciatus: it digs the sand less and likes to hover in small clusters a few centimeters above the shells. It forms a self-sustaining colony that is easy to establish in a small aquarium.

In the lake it lives in sandy beds where empty Neothauma snail shells accumulate. It picks plankton in loose clusters just above the shell bed; when danger threatens, each fish retreats into its own shell. The water is hard, alkaline and extremely stable.

• Volume: 54–60 liters for a colony of 6–10; a length of 60 cm and a large footprint.
• Shells: 2–3 clean, unpainted snail shells per individual (opening of 2–3 cm). Scatter the shells over the sand.
• Substrate: 3–5 cm of fine sand.
• Water: pH 8–9, hard water; a 20–25% water change every week.
• Plants: Anubias, Vallisneria and floating plants can be used; the similis does not uproot plants as much as the multifasciatus.

A small plankton hunter. A fine-grained cichlid granule or crushed flakes should be the staple; vary it with frozen cyclops, brine shrimp and daphnia. Food should be in small pieces and given in small amounts 1–2 times a day.

It defends the area around its shell but is more tolerant than the multifasciatus; individuals can stay close to each other above the shells. It uses the lower part of the aquarium.

Good companions: Cyprichromis or Paracyprichromis in 100 liters or more, Julidochromis ornatus or transcriptus in a rocky section.

Avoid: other cichlids that set up territories on the bottom, the multifasciatus in the same aquarium (similar appearance and constant competition for the same shells), large and carnivorous fish, Synodontis species. It eats baby shrimp.

• 6–10 juveniles are bought together and the colony is left to form on its own; for an established group, 1 male : 2–3 females is suitable.
• In a 60 cm aquarium there is room for one or two males; each male guards a territory that includes the shells of several females.
• There should always be more shells than individuals.
• The fry grow up within the colony; when maturing juveniles start competing for space, the extras are removed.
• Adults from outside are not added to an established colony.

The female lays her eggs inside the shell and the male fertilizes them at the shell's opening. The female tends the eggs; the fry appear around the shell after about a week. They are fed newly hatched brine shrimp and powdered food. The parents are tolerant of the fry; several generations live together in the same shell bed.

• Hardy; the main danger is low pH and soft water.
• In a small volume, overfeeding quickly spoils water quality.
• Shells must be unpainted and clean; residues left inside pollute the water.

Males are larger (about 5 cm versus 4 cm) and claim a wider area. Females are more attached to their shells. It is difficult to tell juveniles apart.