Gold Ocellatus

Gold Ocellatus

Lamprologus ocellatus

Also known as: Ocellatus Shell Dweller

💧 Freshwater ⚡ Semi-aggressive 🟢 Easy 🍽️ Omnivore

A feisty golden shell-dwelling cichlid from Lake Tanganyika. Despite its tiny size, it fiercely defends its shell from much larger fish.

Tank Size

10 gal
minimum (20+ preferred)

Temperature

76–82°F
24–28°C

pH Range

7.8–9
water acidity

Max Size

2"
5.1 cm

Lifespan

5–8 years
typical in captivity

Swim Level

Bottom
preferred zone

Care Notes

Provide escargot shells on a sand substrate. Pairs establish territories around their shells. Fascinating behavior in a small tank.

Feeding

Small pellets, crushed flakes, frozen baby brine shrimp, and daphnia.

Compatible Tank Mates

None identified.

Use Caution With

Bloodfin Tetra 2" Buenos Aires Tetra 3" Red Eye Tetra 2.5" Giant Danio 4" Pearl Danio 2.5" Gold Pristella Tetra 1.8" Firemouth Cichlid 6" Blue Acara 6" Rainbow Cichlid 5" Sajica Cichlid 5" Nicaraguan Cichlid 10" Port Cichlid 6"

Incompatible With

Neon Tetra 1.5" Cardinal Tetra 2" Rummy Nose Tetra 2" Ember Tetra 0.8" Black Skirt Tetra 2.5" Serpae Tetra 1.75" Congo Tetra 3.5" Glowlight Tetra 1.5" Harlequin Rasbora 2" Chili Rasbora 0.7" Celestial Pearl Danio 1" Zebra Danio 2"

Check Compatibility

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