Ornate Shell Dweller

The Ornate Shell Dweller, scientifically known as Lamprologus ornatipinnis, is a small shell-dwelling cichlid native to the sandy shorelines of Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. It is sought after for its graceful, elongated body shape, delicately patterned fins, and fascinating shell-dwelling behavior.

Adult Ornate Shell Dwellers typically reach about 2 to 2.5 inches (5 to 6 cm) in length. They are silvery to pale golden in base color, with a series of thin, ornate black lines and speckles decorating their fins. The dorsal and anal fins are elongated and lined with intricate patterns, giving the fish its “ornate” name. Males are slightly larger, more colorful, and often have more extended fin rays, while females are smaller and rounder.

A tank of at least 15 to 20 gallons is suitable for a small group. The aquarium should be furnished with a soft sand substrate and an abundance of empty snail shells, which they use for shelter and breeding. Escargot shells are often used as substitutes in captivity. Each fish will claim one or more shells as its territory, and they are active diggers, constantly moving sand to position shells to their liking.

Water parameters should include a temperature of 75 to 80°F (24 to 27°C), a pH between 7.8 and 9.0, and hard, alkaline water with high mineral content to replicate conditions in Lake Tanganyika. Stability and clean water are essential for long-term success.

Feeding Lamprologus ornatipinnis is easy, as they are carnivorous micro-predators. They thrive on a diet of high-quality sinking cichlid pellets, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and bloodworms. Frequent small meals are best, as they are active foragers.

Ornate Shell Dwellers are territorial around their shells but are not overly aggressive outside of breeding. They can be kept with other Tanganyikan species that inhabit different zones, such as rock-dwelling Julidochromis or open-water Cyprichromis. In a species tank, a colony will form, with fascinating social interactions centered around their shells.

Breeding is straightforward in the aquarium. Females lay eggs inside the safety of their chosen shell, where they remain until hatching. The female guards the eggs and fry inside the shell, while the male defends the territory outside. Fry typically stay near the shell entrance before gradually exploring further, and they can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp or microworms once free-swimming.

Lamprologus ornatipinnis (Ornate Shell Dweller) is one of the most elegant shell-dwelling cichlids from Lake Tanganyika, admired for its beauty, activity, and the unique behaviors it displays when kept in properly designed aquariums.