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Shell dweller cichlid

Freshwater Intermediate Semi-aggressive

Shell dweller cichlid grows to about 1.6 in and needs a tank of at least 11 US gal. Here's how to keep it healthy and what it lives well with.

Quick facts

Water type
Freshwater
Group
Cichlids
Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperament
Semi-aggressive
Swims
Bottom
Adult size
1.6 in
Minimum tank
11 US gal
Min swim length
17.7 in
Group size
3+ together

Water parameters

Temperature
73–81 °F
pH
7.5–9
Hardness
10–25 dGH

Tank & care

Shell dweller cichlid is a shoaling species — keep a group of at least 3 so they feel secure and show natural behavior. Kept alone or in twos they tend to turn shy, stressed or nippy.

Give it at least 17.7 in of swimming length and hold the water around 73–81 °F. Match any new species to these ranges before adding them.

Plan a tank with this fish

Use the stocking calculator to see how many Shell dweller cichlid your tank can hold and whether your planned tankmates are compatible — it's anchored to your net water volume and footprint.

Open the stocking calculator Calculate tank volume

Figures are conservative hobby-consensus estimates for planning. Individual fish vary — always research a species and watch how yours behave.

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