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Scientific name: Lamprologus meleagris (occasionally Neolamprologus meleagris)
Common names: Pearly ocellatus, Pearly shelldweller or Meleagris shelldweller
Maximum size: Males 1.75”, females smaller
Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
Behavior: Territorial, they work well in species tanks, especially in pairs. Larger groups require more floor space for territories.
p.H: 7.6-8.4, but adaptable to most alkaline levels.
Tempature: 74-80; not critical.
Meleagris are a less common shelldweller despite their stunning looks and winning attitude. These diminutive cichlids from Lake Tanganyika exhibit the full range of cichlid behaviors seen in their larger cousins: parenting, territory squabbles, displaying and parading about the tank. And yes, they live in shells. The ideal tank for a meleagris pair or trio is 10 gallons or larger, with a substrate of fine sand, which they’ll happily strew about, and a wide selection of shells. The best shells are at least an inch across with round openings; turbo shells sold for hermit crabs or in craft stores and escargot shells found at gourmet shops are popular choices. The shells they inhabit in the lake are those of the Neothauma snail; these shells are available online. Meleagris are closely related to L. ocellatus and the two species should not be kept together as they may hybridize. In a large enough tank, meleagris may be kept with other species of shelldwellers provided there are vision barriers like rock piles, sufficient shells (two per fish or more), and a lot of floor space. Meleagris are known to bury additional shells – sometimes while a female is inside! Eggs are hatched inside the shell, usually small numbers. The tiny fry are usually the hobbyist’s first clue that the fish are spawning. They can generally feed themselves off the parents’ scraps, since there are rarely very many of them, but small live foods are always a good idea. Even the parents are small enough to go after baby brine shrimp their whole lives. Unlike the more common L. multifasciatus, L. meleagris moves sand primarily by swishing their tails until a pit is created; the resulting cloud of sand in the water around the redecorating fish is one of the more endearing sights these fish provide to their owners. All in all, meleagris are beautiful, full of personality, and small enough to keep almost anywhere!
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