{"title":"Available Now","description":"\u003cp\u003eReady to ship from the fish room.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"l201-snowball-pleco","title":"L201 Snowball Pleco","description":"\u003cp\u003ethe Snowball Pleco, is a visually stunning species from the Hypancistrus genus, recognized for its dark black body covered in bright white or yellowish spots—resembling tiny snowballs on velvet. Native to the Rio Negro in Brazil, this pleco adds bold contrast and elegance to any aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThough somewhat shy and nocturnal, the Inspector Pleco is peaceful and relatively easy to care for. It appreciates caves and low lighting, making it a perfect choice for aquascaped or blackwater-style tanks. Unlike many plecos, it is not a significant algae grazer, but instead enjoys a varied diet of protein-rich foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColoration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep black body adorned with bright white or pale yellow spots\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful and reclusive—best kept with calm tank mates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Reaches up to 5–6 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimum 30 gallons with soft, slightly acidic water, hiding spots, and subdued lighting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivorous—prefers protein-based foods such as sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, and occasional vegetables\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ideal with small, peaceful community fish, especially those that prefer similar water conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Inspector Pleco (L102) is a stunning and unique addition to any freshwater aquarium, prized for its beauty, calm nature, and fascinating nocturnal habits. Perfect for aquarists seeking a more exotic, low-maintenance bottom dweller.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Premier Tropicals","offers":[{"title":"3\"","offer_id":54362943914277,"sku":null,"price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1027\/6071\/0437\/files\/pt-l201-snowball-pleco_2e520bab-2120-4160-a496-da9c3300b006.jpg?v=1791955724"},{"product_id":"blue-neon-peacock","title":"Blue Neon Peacock","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aulonocara Astuartgranti\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blue Peacock Cichlid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLife Expectancy:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6 - 10 years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lake Malawi, Africa\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50 gallons\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal Tank Conditions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e 78°F\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003epH Range: 7.0 - 8.0\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6 - 10\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-aggressive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Nutrition: Omnivore but it will eat mostly meaty foods. Provide them with a meaty diet; pellets, frozen and freeze-dried daphnia, bloodworms and brine shrimp are excellent choices. Avoid tubifex worms as they contribute to a disease called \"Malawi bloat.\" Shrimp mixes are also a good choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBreeding \u0026amp; Spawning:  Mouth brooder; should have their own breeding tank. A cichlid couple guarding their babies can be a force to reckon with and this aggression is acted out on other tank mates. A 100 gallon tank is suggested.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGender:\u003c\/strong\u003e Males are more colorful with the back part of their dorsal and anal fins being sharper. Females are drabber with darker vertical bars and rounded anal and dorsal fins.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Premier Tropicals","offers":[{"title":"3\"","offer_id":54362901381413,"sku":null,"price":24.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1027\/6071\/0437\/files\/pt-blue-neon-peacock_382fa195-09fd-4dbb-a06a-66abc41e1fb6.jpg?v=1791955806"},{"product_id":"maingano-cichlid","title":"Maingano Cichlid","description":"\u003cp\u003eMaingano Cichlid\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Maingano Cichlid (Pseudotropheus cyaneorhabdos) is a striking African cichlid native to Lake Malawi. It is known for its deep blue to blue-black body covered with bright, horizontal blue stripes that create a bold and dramatic appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMainganos are active, hardy fish with plenty of personality. They are classified as Mbuna, a group of rock-dwelling Lake Malawi cichlids. Like many Mbuna, they can be territorial and should be kept in an appropriately stocked aquarium with plenty of rockwork and hiding places.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 76–82°F (24–28°C)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003epH: 7.6–8.6\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hard, alkaline water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 4 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e A minimum of 55 gallons is recommended for a properly stocked group. Larger aquariums are preferable for multiple territories and community setups.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFiltration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use strong mechanical and biological filtration with good oxygenation and water movement.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSubstrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sand or fine gravel works well.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAquascape:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide abundant rockwork, caves, crevices, and visual barriers. Rock structures allow individual fish to establish territories and provide places to retreat.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Changes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Perform approximately 25–50% water changes regularly to maintain excellent water quality.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eDiet: Mainganos are primarily herbivorous grazers. Feed a high-quality spirulina-based flake or pellet, supplemented with algae-based foods and occasional vegetable matter. Avoid excessive high-protein foods, which can contribute to digestive problems.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep with other appropriately sized Lake Malawi Mbuna that can tolerate similar water conditions and activity levels. Avoid peaceful community fish that may be unable to handle their territorial behavior.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Territorial and moderately aggressive, particularly toward similarly shaped or colored fish and during breeding.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGroup \u0026amp; Sex Ratio:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keeping a group with several females per male can help distribute aggression. A ratio of approximately 1 male to 3–4 females is commonly recommended.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBreeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mainganos are maternal mouthbrooders. The female carries the fertilized eggs and developing fry in her mouth until the young are ready to be released.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eImportant Care Notes\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMaingano Cichlids are best suited to a Lake Malawi Mbuna aquarium rather than a typical peaceful community tank. Their territorial nature makes adequate space, rockwork, and careful stocking particularly important.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eProvide plenty of hiding places and arrange rocks to create\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOptions 1-2 inch 2.5 + inch\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Premier Tropicals","offers":[{"title":"2.5\"","offer_id":54362900496677,"sku":null,"price":9.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2.5+","offer_id":54362900529445,"sku":null,"price":16.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1027\/6071\/0437\/files\/pt-maingano-cichlid_12f2651e-a580-44dc-9c05-fb3575b105e3.jpg?v=1791955889"},{"product_id":"livingstoni-cichlid","title":"Livingstoni Cichlid","description":"\u003cp\u003eLivingstonii Cichlid\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Livingstonii Cichlid (Nimbochromis livingstonii) is a large and impressive predatory cichlid native to Lake Malawi in Africa. It is known for its distinctive mottled pattern of brown, cream, and darker markings, which helps it blend into the sandy and vegetated areas of its natural habitat.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLivingstonii Cichlids are particularly interesting because they are ambush predators. They may lie motionless on the substrate, sometimes appearing almost lifeless, before suddenly striking nearby prey. Despite their predatory nature, they can be successfully kept in a properly planned African cichlid aquarium with appropriately sized tank mates.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75–80°F (24–27°C)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003epH: 7.6–8.6\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hard, alkaline water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 10–12 inches, with males generally reaching the larger sizes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e A minimum of 75 gallons is recommended for a single adult, with larger aquariums required for groups or community setups.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFiltration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use powerful biological and mechanical filtration. These large, messy-eating cichlids require excellent water quality and good oxygenation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSubstrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fine sand is ideal and allows the fish to display natural foraging and resting behaviors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAquascape:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide open swimming areas along with rocks and caves around the sides and back of the aquarium. Avoid overcrowding the tank with decorations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Changes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Perform approximately 25–50% water changes regularly to maintain excellent water quality.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eDiet: Offer a varied carnivorous diet consisting of quality cichlid pellets, frozen foods, and appropriately sized foods such as krill, mysis shrimp, and other marine or freshwater invertebrates. Avoid relying exclusively on feeder fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates:\u003c\/strong\u003e Choose tank mates of similar size and temperament. Avoid small fish that can easily be viewed as prey, as well as highly aggressive species that may harass the Livingstonii.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Predatory and moderately aggressive, particularly around feeding and breeding. Providing adequate space and territories can help reduce aggression.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBreeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Livingstonii Cichlids are maternal mouthbrooders. After spawning, the female carries the fertilized eggs and developing fry in her mouth until they are ready to become independent.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eOptions .5 - 1.5 inch 2 - 4 inch\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Premier Tropicals","offers":[{"title":"3\" unsexed","offer_id":54362899546405,"sku":null,"price":17.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1027\/6071\/0437\/files\/pt-livingstoni-cichlid_39687d81-ea16-4569-bdc3-67bafc775ef0.jpg?v=1791955954"},{"product_id":"sunshine-peacock","title":"Sunshine Peacock Cichlid","description":"\u003cp\u003eCare at a glance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperature\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e77–84°F\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003epH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e7.5–8.5\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdult size\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4.3 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is calmer than most rift-lake cichlids but males get territorial when breeding, so give it at least 240 liters and keep one male with several females. It works the lower and middle water, cruising the sand for food. Keep water hard and alkaline, pH 7.5 to 8.5, at 25 to 29 C. Feed quality cichlid pellets and flakes with occasional frozen brine shrimp, and skip foods heavy in mammal protein. House it with other peaceful-leaning peacocks rather than aggressive mbuna.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the wild\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sunshine peacock comes from Lake Malawi in East Africa, where it lives over sand and rubble near rocky outcrops in fairly shallow water. The lake is hard and alkaline, and that's what your tank needs to match. Use a sand bottom it can dig in, some rock piles for structure, and open swimming space. Keep the water hard with a high pH, in the mid to high 20s C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood to know\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a Malawi cichlid in the family Cichlidae, one of the smaller Aulonocara peacocks at around 11 cm. Males show strong yellow and blue color while females stay plain brown. It is a maternal mouthbrooder: the female holds fertilized eggs and fry in her mouth for a few weeks until they can fend for themselves. Wild populations are considered stable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDid you know\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAulonocara peacocks hunt by holding still over the sand and reading vibrations through sensory pores on the lower jaw and head, then darting down to grab small invertebrates buried just under the surface. That sensing system is why they spend so much time hovering low over open sand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeekly picks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTank mates\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSunshine peacock cichlid is a mostly peaceful, social species that keeps to the middle. These picks share a community profile with it, are safe together in both directions, and overlap on water type, temperature and pH.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Premier Tropicals","offers":[{"title":"3\"","offer_id":54362898465061,"sku":null,"price":29.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1027\/6071\/0437\/files\/pt-sunshine-peacock_e5979dbd-2977-42b8-8da7-1de485227726.jpg?v=1792036734"},{"product_id":"longfin-lemon-blue-eye-bristlenose-pleco","title":"Longfin Lemon Blue eye Bristlenose Pleco","description":"\u003cp\u003eHardy bottom-dwellers for your tank\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Longfin Blue eye Lemon Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus sp.) is a beautiful and useful freshwater algae-eating catfish known for its creamy yellow to pale coloration, blue eyes, and distinctive flowing fins. Like other bristlenose plecos, it develops small bristle-like growths around the nose and face as it matures, with males typically developing larger and more prominent bristles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe longfin variety features elongated, flowing fins that give this peaceful bottom-dweller an especially attractive appearance.  Longfin Bristlenose Plecos are hardy, relatively easy to care for, and excellent additions to peaceful community aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 74–80°F (23–27°C)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003epH: 6.5–7.8\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft to moderately hard water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 4–6 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for one adult, with larger aquariums preferred for multiple plecos.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFiltration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide good biological filtration and adequate water movement while maintaining areas of calmer water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSubstrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sand or smooth gravel is suitable. Avoid sharp decorations that could damage the pleco's delicate long fins.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAquascape:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide driftwood, caves, rocks, and plants for hiding and grazing. Driftwood is especially beneficial because plecos naturally rasp on wood as part of their feeding behavior.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLighting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Normal aquarium lighting is suitable, but providing shaded areas and hiding places is important because plecos are primarily nocturnal and appreciate shelter during the day.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Changes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Perform approximately 20–30% weekly water changes to maintain clean, stable water conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiet: Although they consume algae, algae alone is not a complete diet. Offer high-quality algae wafers, spirulina-based foods, and fresh vegetables such as zucchini, cucumber, or blanched spinach. Occasional protein-rich foods can also be offered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful community fish are excellent companions. Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species that may damage the long fins.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize Options 1-2 inch 2.5+ inch Large Pair 1 Male and 1 Female 3.5+ inch\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Premier Tropicals","offers":[{"title":"2\"","offer_id":54362895155493,"sku":null,"price":24.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2.5+\"","offer_id":54362895188261,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1027\/6071\/0437\/files\/pt-longfin-lemon-blue-eye-bristlenose-pleco_e70858bf-e50c-4cb3-b31b-d97a919e26b9.jpg?v=1792036740"},{"product_id":"multie-shell-dweller","title":"Multie shell dweller","description":"\u003csection class=\"mt-11\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mt-3 text-[16px] leading-[1.65] text-pretty whitespace-pre-line text-mk-body\"\u003e Neolamprologus multifasciatus.  The Multie shell dweller is a tiny \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/species\/cichlids\" data-inline-link=\"species\/cichlids\" class=\"text-mk-teal underline-offset-2 hover:underline\"\u003ecichlid\u003c\/a\u003e that lives in a \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#colony\" data-glossary-term=\"colony\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003ecolony\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e on the bottom, with each fish claiming a snail shell. It is easy to keep\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mt-3 text-[16px] leading-[1.65] text-pretty whitespace-pre-line text-mk-body\"\u003eMultie shell dwellers are landscapers. A \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#colony\" data-glossary-term=\"colony\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003ecolony\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e digs out the sand around its shells and piles it up at the edges. Over time, the digging slowly shifts the whole shell bed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"mt-11\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-mk-serif text-[28px] leading-[1.1] text-pretty text-mk-heading\"\u003eCaring for the Multie shell dweller\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mt-3 text-[16px] leading-[1.65] text-pretty whitespace-pre-line text-mk-body\"\u003eStart a \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#colony\" data-glossary-term=\"colony\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003ecolony\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e with 6 to 8 fish, several females per male, in a tank of 20 gal (75 L) or larger. Lay a deep, open sand bed of 5 cm or more so they can dig. Pile in plenty of empty snail shells, more shells than fish, since each one wants a shell to call home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mt-4 text-[16px] leading-[1.65] text-pretty whitespace-pre-line text-mk-body\"\u003eKeep the water warm, hard and alkaline, at 75 to 81°F (24 to 27°C) and a \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#ph\" data-glossary-term=\"ph\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003epH\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e of 7.8 to 8.6. Feed small sinking foods and fine pellets, with frozen treats such as cyclops or \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#brine-shrimp\" data-glossary-term=\"brine-shrimp\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003ebaby brine shrimp\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mt-4 text-[16px] leading-[1.65] text-pretty whitespace-pre-line text-mk-body\"\u003eMultie shell dwellers are mostly peaceful, but they turn fiercely \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#territorial\" data-glossary-term=\"territorial\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003eterritorial\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e right around their own shells. They sit at the bottom and rarely stray far from home. Pick tank mates that stay up in the water column and leave the sand bed to the \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#colony\" data-glossary-term=\"colony\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003ecolony\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mt-4 text-[16px] leading-[1.65] text-pretty whitespace-pre-line text-mk-body\"\u003eFemales lay their eggs and raise their young inside the empty shells, guarding the brood until the \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#fry\" data-glossary-term=\"fry\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003efry\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e swim free. Young from past broods often stick around to help guard the \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#colony\" data-glossary-term=\"colony\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003ecolony\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e. Breeding them is easy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"mt-11\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-mk-serif text-[28px] leading-[1.1] text-pretty text-mk-heading\"\u003eGood to know\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mt-3 text-[16px] leading-[1.65] text-pretty whitespace-pre-line text-mk-body\"\u003eThe Multie shell dweller, Neolamprologus multifasciatus, belongs to the \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#genus\" data-glossary-term=\"genus\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003efamily\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Cichlidae and holds the title of the world's smallest cichlid. Most fish in the trade are \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#captive-bred\" data-glossary-term=\"captive-bred\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003etank bred\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, and a healthy adult can live several years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"mt-11\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-mk-serif text-[28px] leading-[1.1] text-pretty text-mk-heading\"\u003eIn the wild\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mt-3 text-[16px] leading-[1.65] text-pretty whitespace-pre-line text-mk-body\"\u003eMultie shell dwellers are \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#endemic\" data-glossary-term=\"endemic\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003eendemic\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e to Lake Tanganyika. They live in \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#colony\" data-glossary-term=\"colony\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003ecolonies\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e over open sand flats scattered with empty snail shells.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection data-landing-section=\"\" class=\"mt-16 border-b border-white\/8 pb-10\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"@3xl:grid @3xl:grid-cols-[260px_minmax(0,1fr)] @3xl:items-start @3xl:gap-12\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-mono text-[11px] leading-none font-medium tracking-[0.16em] text-mk-faint uppercase\"\u003eWeekly picks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"Premier Tropicals","offers":[{"title":".75\"","offer_id":54362883457317,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1027\/6071\/0437\/files\/Multi.jpg?v=1793249179"},{"product_id":"frontosa","title":"Frontosa","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name: \u003c\/strong\u003eCyphotilapia frontosa\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name: \u003c\/strong\u003eHumphead Cichlid, Frontosa\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 14 inches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife Expectancy: \u003c\/strong\u003e20 years\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan\u003eLake Tanganyika, Africa\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size: \u003c\/strong\u003e70 gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal Tank Conditions: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemperature Range: \u003cspan\u003e78°F\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003epH Range: \u003cspan\u003e7.0 - 8.0\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHardness Range: \u003cspan\u003e12 - 15\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament: \u003c\/strong\u003eSemi-aggressive\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Nutrition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnivores; \u003cspan\u003ewill generally eat all kinds of live foods. Slow feeder and will eat pellets as well as a variety of meaty foods such as feeder fish, worms and crustaceans; ie. mysis, shrimp, and krill. Frozen foods such as brine shrimp is also considered as a good protein source.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBreeding \u0026amp; Spawning:\u003c\/strong\u003e Egg layers that form matriarchal families. Monogamous, where one male spawns with several females. Takes about 3 to 4 years for these fish to reach sexual maturity, and males mature more slowly than females.  Female is a mouth brooder that is a cave spawner in the wild. In the aquarium she prefers spawning on the substrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGender: \u003c\/strong\u003eThe male is larger, and often has a more pronounced cranial hump than the female.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Premier Tropicals","offers":[{"title":"2.5\"","offer_id":54366496031013,"sku":null,"price":24.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1027\/6071\/0437\/files\/IMG_1374.jpg?v=1793505563"},{"product_id":"threadfin-acara-geophagus-heckelli","title":"Threadfin Acara - Geophagus Heckelli","description":"\u003csection class=\"mt-11\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mt-3 text-[16px] leading-[1.65] text-pretty whitespace-pre-line text-mk-body\"\u003eThe threadfin acara is a medium-sized eartheater for a large tank with plenty of open sand. It is a fish for experienced keepers  In the threadfin acara, it is the female that digs the burrow and does much of the courting. That is the reverse of the usual \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/species\/cichlids\" data-inline-link=\"species\/cichlids\" class=\"text-mk-teal underline-offset-2 hover:underline\"\u003ecichlid\u003c\/a\u003e arrangement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"mt-11\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-mk-serif text-[28px] leading-[1.1] text-pretty text-mk-heading\"\u003eCaring for the threadfin acara\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mt-3 text-[16px] leading-[1.65] text-pretty whitespace-pre-line text-mk-body\"\u003eA tank of at least 79 gal (300 L) gives a group of threadfin acaras space to sift, swim and sort out \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#territorial\" data-glossary-term=\"territorial\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003eterritories\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e. A deep bed of fine, soft sand matters most, since it sifts the sand for food and digs into it to breed. Soft sand also protects its mouth. Add \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#driftwood\" data-glossary-term=\"driftwood\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003edriftwood\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, rocks and the odd cave, and leave open areas of sand for foraging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mt-4 text-[16px] leading-[1.65] text-pretty whitespace-pre-line text-mk-body\"\u003eAim for 75 to 86°F (24 to 30°C) and a \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#ph\" data-glossary-term=\"ph\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003epH\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e of 6.0 to 7.5. Feed sinking pellets along with frozen and \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#live-food\" data-glossary-term=\"live-food\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003elive foods\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e such as \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#bloodworms\" data-glossary-term=\"bloodworms\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003ebloodworm\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e and \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#brine-shrimp\" data-glossary-term=\"brine-shrimp\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003ebrine shrimp\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mt-4 text-[16px] leading-[1.65] text-pretty whitespace-pre-line text-mk-body\"\u003eThe threadfin acara does well in a group with room to establish a loose hierarchy. It is mostly peaceful outside of breeding, but it can become \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#territorial\" data-glossary-term=\"territorial\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003eterritorial\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e and pushy when \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#spawn\" data-glossary-term=\"spawn\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003espawning\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e. It generally coexists with robust, similarly sized tank mates such as larger \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/species\/tetras\" data-inline-link=\"species\/tetras\" class=\"text-mk-teal underline-offset-2 hover:underline\"\u003etetras\u003c\/a\u003e, other calm cichlids and peaceful catfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mt-4 text-[16px] leading-[1.65] text-pretty whitespace-pre-line text-mk-body\"\u003eIts breeding is unusual for a cichlid. A pair \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#spawn\" data-glossary-term=\"spawn\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003espawns\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e in a chamber dug into the sand, reached through one or more long tunnels. The female lays her eggs deep inside and defends the burrow, while the male guards the entrances. Breeding in the aquarium is hard without a \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#deep-sand-bed\" data-glossary-term=\"deep-sand-bed\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003edeep sand bed\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e and the right conditions to trigger it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"mt-11\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-mk-serif text-[28px] leading-[1.1] text-pretty text-mk-heading\"\u003eGood to know\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mt-3 text-[16px] leading-[1.65] text-pretty whitespace-pre-line text-mk-body\"\u003eThe threadfin acara, Acarichthys heckelii, is a member of the cichlid \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#genus\" data-glossary-term=\"genus\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003efamily\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, Cichlidae. A long, trailing extension of its \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#dorsal-fin\" data-glossary-term=\"dorsal-fin\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003edorsal fin\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e gives it the name threadfin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"mt-11\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-mk-serif text-[28px] leading-[1.1] text-pretty text-mk-heading\"\u003eIn the wild\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mt-3 text-[16px] leading-[1.65] text-pretty whitespace-pre-line text-mk-body\"\u003eThe threadfin acara ranges across the Amazon basin through Colombia, Peru, Brazil and Guyana. It lives over sand in slow rivers, lakes and flooded areas. The water there is warm, and it runs from soft and acidic to near neutral.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"Premier Tropicals","offers":[{"title":"3\"","offer_id":54366515822885,"sku":null,"price":24.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1027\/6071\/0437\/files\/IMG_1464.jpg?v=1793505819"},{"product_id":"gold-spotted-thai-catfish","title":"Gold Spotted Thai Catfish","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name: \u003c\/strong\u003eHorabagrus brachysoma\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan\u003eSun Catfish, Gold Spotted Thai Cat, Gunther's Catfish, Eclipse Cat\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size: \u003c\/strong\u003e12 inches\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife Expectancy: \u003c\/strong\u003e10 years\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHabitat: \u003c\/strong\u003eSouthwest India\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size: \u003c\/strong\u003e75 gallon\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal Tank Conditions: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemperature Range: 73\u003cspan\u003e - 80°F \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003epH Range: 6.0\u003cspan\u003e – 7.5\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHardness Range: 4\u003cspan\u003e - 20\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament: \u003c\/strong\u003ePeaceful, but may be predatory towards smaller tankmates\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Nutrition: \u003c\/strong\u003eA predator which prefers to eat fish, but also takes most chunky frozen foods, and often pellets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBreeding \u0026amp; Spawning: \u003c\/strong\u003eThere is currently no valid information about successful breeding in captivity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGender: \u003c\/strong\u003e Can be challenging to distinguish between male and female but there are some characteristics that may assist in determining gender: (1) \u003cspan\u003emales can be slightly larger than females, (2) \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003emales may have brighter or more vibrant coloration than females, especially during the breeding season and (3) i\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003en mature fish, males may have a slightly pointed or more pronounced genital papilla near the anal fin, while females may have a rounder and less prominent one. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Premier Tropicals","offers":[{"title":"4\"","offer_id":54366547575077,"sku":null,"price":21.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1027\/6071\/0437\/files\/IMG_1370.jpg?v=1793506497"},{"product_id":"gold-ocellatus-shell-dweller","title":"Gold Ocellatus Shell Dweller","description":"\u003csection class=\"mt-11\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-mk-serif text-[28px] leading-[1.1] text-pretty text-mk-heading\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mt-3 text-[16px] leading-[1.65] text-pretty whitespace-pre-line text-mk-body\"\u003eThe gold ocellatus shell dweller lives on the bottom of the tank and makes an empty snail shell its home. It is mostly peaceful away from its shell and easy to keep.   The gold ocellatus shell dweller treats one empty snail shell as its whole world. It digs out sand to bury the shell at the angle it wants, and backs in tail first when anything bigger comes near. A female can spend most of her life within a few centimeters of her shell, raising batch after batch of \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#fry\" data-glossary-term=\"fry\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003efry\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e inside it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"mt-11\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-mk-serif text-[28px] leading-[1.1] text-pretty text-mk-heading\"\u003eCaring for the gold ocellatus shell dweller\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mt-3 text-[16px] leading-[1.65] text-pretty whitespace-pre-line text-mk-body\"\u003eGive gold ocellatus shell dwellers at least 11 gal (40 L). Lay a sand bed at least 5 cm deep so they can dig. Add more empty snail shells than fish, since each one needs a home base to claim. Spread the shells out so every fish has space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mt-4 text-[16px] leading-[1.65] text-pretty whitespace-pre-line text-mk-body\"\u003eKeep the water hard and alkaline, at 75 to 81°F (24 to 27°C) and a \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#ph\" data-glossary-term=\"ph\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003epH\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e of 7.5 to 9.0. Feed small sinking foods and crushed pellets, plus frozen cyclops, \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#brine-shrimp\" data-glossary-term=\"brine-shrimp\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003ebrine shrimp\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e or \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#daphnia\" data-glossary-term=\"daphnia\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003edaphnia\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mt-4 text-[16px] leading-[1.65] text-pretty whitespace-pre-line text-mk-body\"\u003eKeep one male with two or three females. They are mostly peaceful, but each fish turns fiercely \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#territorial\" data-glossary-term=\"territorial\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003eterritorial\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e in the small zone right around its own shell. Outside that patch they leave the open water alone, so they pair well with mid-water Tanganyikans. Keep the upper water open for those fish, since the shell dwellers stay down low.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mt-4 text-[16px] leading-[1.65] text-pretty whitespace-pre-line text-mk-body\"\u003eMales are larger, and females stay around half their size. They are easy \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#cave-spawner\" data-glossary-term=\"cave-spawner\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003ecave spawners\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e that breed readily inside the shells. The female tends the eggs and \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#fry\" data-glossary-term=\"fry\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003efry\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e in her shell.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"mt-11\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-mk-serif text-[28px] leading-[1.1] text-pretty text-mk-heading\"\u003eGood to know\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mt-3 text-[16px] leading-[1.65] text-pretty whitespace-pre-line text-mk-body\"\u003eThe gold ocellatus shell dweller is a dwarf \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/species\/cichlids\" data-inline-link=\"species\/cichlids\" class=\"text-mk-teal underline-offset-2 hover:underline\"\u003ecichlid\u003c\/a\u003e in the \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#genus\" data-glossary-term=\"genus\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003efamily\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Cichlidae. Most fish in the trade are \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#captive-bred\" data-glossary-term=\"captive-bred\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003etank bred\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, and they can live several years in good water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"mt-11\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-mk-serif text-[28px] leading-[1.1] text-pretty text-mk-heading\"\u003eIn the wild\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mt-3 text-[16px] leading-[1.65] text-pretty whitespace-pre-line text-mk-body\"\u003eGold ocellatus are \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#endemic\" data-glossary-term=\"endemic\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003eendemic\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. They live over open sandy stretches scattered with empty snail shells. The lake's water is hard and alkaline.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection data-landing-section=\"\" class=\"mt-16 border-b border-white\/8 pb-10\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"@3xl:grid @3xl:grid-cols-[260px_minmax(0,1fr)] @3xl:items-start @3xl:gap-12\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-mono text-[11px] leading-none font-medium tracking-[0.16em] text-mk-faint uppercase\"\u003eWeekly picks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-mk-serif text-[28px] leading-[1.05] text-pretty text-mk-heading @3xl:text-[36px] mt-3\"\u003eTank mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mt-4 @3xl:mt-0\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"text-[16px] leading-[1.6] text-pretty text-mk-body\"\u003eThe gold ocellatus shell dweller is a mostly peaceful, social species that keeps to the bottom. These picks share a community profile with it, are safe together in both directions, and overlap on water type, temperature and pH.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"Premier Tropicals","offers":[{"title":"1\"","offer_id":54366686511397,"sku":null,"price":26.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1027\/6071\/0437\/files\/IMG_1057.jpg?v=1793509368"},{"product_id":"pearl-cichlid-geophagus-brasiliensis","title":"Pearl Cichlid - Geophagus Brasiliensis","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003eScientific Name: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eGeophagus brasiliensis\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name: \u003c\/strong\u003ePearl Cichlid, Pearlscale Cichlid, Mother of Pearl Cichlid, Pearl Eartheater\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e 10 inches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife Expectancy: \u003c\/strong\u003e10 - 15 years\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eAmazon\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size: \u003c\/strong\u003e75 gallons\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal Tank Conditions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003eTemperature Range:\u003c\/span\u003e 78°F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003epH Range:\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e7.0 - 8.0\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003eWater Hardness:\u003c\/span\u003e 5 - 20\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003eTemperament:  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003eC\u003c\/span\u003ean be aggressive if not given a large enough aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Nutrition:  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eOmnivore, will eat flakes, pellets, freeze dried and live foods. Give them a varied diet with lots of protein.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003eBreeding \u0026amp; Spawning: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003eE\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003easily bred; juveniles reaching 2 to 3 inches will begin pairing off and can be moved to a separate tank. They are a substrate spawner, and both parents will take part in caring for eggs and raising fry. Whey they are ready to spawn they will clean a spot on smooth rock or a flat piece of driftwood. The female will lay 150 to 200 eggs which the male will fertilize. The parents will guard the eggs until they hatch and the fry become free swimming. The f\u003cspan\u003ery need to be well fed, and water should be changed regularly. They can consume a range of foods including prepared fry food, blanched and cooled vegetables such as cucumber, and frozen meaty foods. While the adult parents will look after the fry until they become free swimming, the parents should be moved to another tank while their fry mature.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003eGender: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003eMales grow larger than females, often significantly so, and most dominant specimens develop a nuchal hump \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003eto some extent.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Premier Tropicals","offers":[{"title":"3\"","offer_id":54370226929957,"sku":null,"price":19.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1027\/6071\/0437\/files\/IMG_1480.jpg?v=1793585999"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1027\/6071\/0437\/collections\/pt-hero-peacock_be0e38d1-a68f-46e1-a807-eedcda29cbe9.jpg?v=1791958596","url":"https:\/\/www.premiertropicals.com\/collections\/available-now.oembed","provider":"Premier Tropicals","version":"1.0","type":"link"}