New fishies

[jams.alaskan]

What a fun, fun tank that must be The shellies have a new fan! I'm so very glad you shared that...

ALASKA

 

[vantgE]

and some people have the nerve to say shelldwellers aren't colorful

 

[EddieW]

Thanks for the nice comments everyone!

Auratus - the killie came from Maidenhead Aquatics in Morden - they had them in for a short while and I loved the look of them so I got a pair. The problem is that he is such a bully (or so randy) that he harrassed the female to death.

vantgE - totally agree. I was put off shellies a while ago as someone mentioned that they were boring in both colour and character. I wish I had done my research back then as neither of those comments is true. Lovely colours and such lovely (and feisty) personalities.

Cheers, Eddie

 

[aberdeen aquarist]

thats it, i can't take any more!!!




















AA runs off to set up a shellie tank!!!!

 

[iloveyou]

do them fish specifically like the shells? what kind are they ? . . and whered ya get them shells

 

[EddieW]

These are Lake Tanganikian cichlids which live in the parts of the lake where there are beds of empty snail shells. These are Neothauma tanganicensis, a common aquatic snail but any shell of a suitable size will do.

Found the following in Desktop Cichlids - the shell dweller recipe:

Marine shells sold in pet stores for hermit crabs and saltwater aquaria are suitable. The shells of deceased freshwater apple snails and mystery snails are also acceptable. If you want a close approximation of the true Neothauma shell, empty shells of the edible snail can be purchased at premium delicatessens. Small terra-cotta flower pots and Cichlid caves will also provide the necessary cover. Should you require a decor which allows easy removal of the fish, barnacle shells are excellent. Regardless of the "shell" you choose, it is wise to clean it, boil it, and rinse it thoroughly to remove any remains of the previous occupant!

I couldn't find any suitable shells in my LFS so I ended up buying some from Fortnum & Mason. It cost £7.50 for 1 1/2 dozen ex-large snails in a tin with about twenty shells separately. I boiled the shells for a while and the tin of snails is going to a French work colleague

It is fascinating watching them - I read that ocellatus generally stay at the bottom rarely venturing more than a few inches from their 'home' shell. Mine seem to like swimming all over the place. There is even one who will follow my finger if I run it along the side of the tank.... They asll congregate together if I hold my finger in one place on the tank - I think they have already worked out where the food comes from.

Cheers, Eddie