| Neolamprologus multifasciatus | |
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| Neolamprologus multifasciatus male | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cichliformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Genus: | Neolamprologus |
| Species: | N. multifasciatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Neolamprologus multifasciatus (Boulenger, 1906) | |
| Synonyms [2] | |
Lamprologus multifasciatusBoulenger, 1906 | |
Common Names: Multies, Multi., Shellies (generic; referring to shell dwelling cichlids)
Synonyms: Lamprologus multifasciatus
Neolamprologus multifasciatus or “Multies” are one of the small shell-dwelling cichlids endemic to Lake Tanganyika in east Africa [3] . The male reaches 5 cm (2 in) in length, and the female only 2.5 cm (1 in) in the aquarium. In the wild, they reach only 3 centimetres (1.2 in) in standard length of male and female reaches less than 2.2 centimetres (0.87 in) in standard length. This makes them one of the smallest species within the Cichlidae family. Adults are often a light brown to beige and exhibit a characteristic dark vertical banding pattern with a bright white or blue iris and black pupil. The body is fusiform and slightly laterally compressed. Caudal fins are rounded with a single light band across the peripheral. Anal fins are also rounded and solitary, lacking a second fin. Unlike other species of African cichlids which have egg spots on the caudal fin to distract predators (such as synodontis catfish), N. multifasciatus lay eggs within the protected interior of gastropod shells and subsequently lack egg spots. Pectoral fins are rounded and transparent while the pelvic fins are wing shaped with a white leading edge. The rear edge of both the dorsal and anal fins are drawn-out. The lateral line is straight but discontinuous. The jaw is superior (upturned) with the lower jaw extending more anterior than the upper jaw. Only one nostril can be found on each side of the head, instead of the two nostrils found in most other fish.
Juveniles lack the banding pattern of the adults and the color highlights found on the fin margins but still maintain the light tan coloration. The species is sexually monomorphic, however males are typically larger and have slightly longer fins compared to females when fully mature. Successfully sexing fish within the aquarium trade is considered difficult and is usually done once breeding pairs have been observed. N. multifasciatus is commonly confused with Neolamprologus similis (as the name suggests). Although they look quite similar, N. similis has a larger adult size of ~ 5-7 cm, the banding pattern extends up to the gill plate and the dorsal fin has 2-3 dorsal spines instead of one. Additionally, N. similis has a light banding pattern on a dark background while N. multifasciatus has dark bands on a light-colored background.
Neolamprologus comes from the Greek words; neos = young or new, lampros = bright, and logos which denotes the white of the eye. The specific epithet refers to the banding pattern on the body and comes from the Latin multi = many and fascia = striped
The geographic range of N. multifasciatus is limited to Lake Tanganyika. They are found on sandy sediments occupying rock crevices and Neothauma shell beds throughout the margins of the lake, ranging from the littoral zone to the limnetic zone. Lake Tangayika is very deep with an average depth of 570 m (1,870 ft) and a maximum depth of 1,470 m (4,820 ft). Most animals live along the shallow shorelines where the water is alkaline (pH of 7.5–9.0) and tropical in temperature, 75–80°F (24–27°C) [4] .
Its natural habitat is the Neothauma shell beds of Lake Tanganyika, where it forms huge colonies with thousands of individuals. Their unique behavior is associated with their affinity to shells. They burrow sand to move shells, take refuge in shells and also breed in them. Shell selection has been thought to be based on shell size and intactness, however recent research reveals that other characteristics, such as shell spatial position and usage by other species (heterospecifics), also play a significant role in determining shell attractiveness and quality. To address this complexity, researchers have proposed a "resource attractiveness index," which integrates multiple characteristics to better estimate the overall value of an ecological resource [6] . To explore which shell characteristics are most sought after, researchers used 3D scanning, modeling, and printing, to create replica shells with varying structural attributes. The results show that N. multifasciatus strongly prefers intact shells, with a preference for shells that are enlarged, lengthened, or have wider apertures. Shell intactness was the most critical factor, followed by shell length and aperture width. This approach disentangles the influence of different shell features, which are usually correlated in nature, and provides a more refined method for studying animal decision-making and niche construction [7] .
Reproduction takes place inside the shells, where complex social groups form. These groups typically consist of several reproductive males and females, a system thought to arise from the limited dispersal opportunities within the shell beds. Each breeding group is composed of one to three males with one being dominant, and up to five females, with varying amounts of juveniles and dependent offspring [8] . Each female claims a small subterritory consisting of one or more shells, where she lays eggs and cares for the fry.
More aggressive individuals are able to claim larger numbers of shells, which allow them to house their offspring and expand their genetic influence within the colony. Juveniles and subadults will gradually establish their own territories as they grow, often remaining within the larger colony.
Studies have shown that the most dominant and aggressive females control the largest subterritories with the most shells, which are essential for breeding success. Females with fewer shells are more likely to leave their current territory and emigrate to another. In experiments, females that emigrated tended to secure more shells in their new territory than they had before, suggesting that females actively explore neighboring territories and move based on resource availability [9] .
Additionally males live in "high-skew" societies, with reproduction concentrated around a few dominant breeders, while females live in "low-skew" societies. Allowing multiple females to produce offspring simultaneously. Despite close proximity between groups, extra-group reproduction is rare, indicating limited opportunities for subordinate males [10] .
N. multifasciatus exhibits intricate breeding habits, relying on empty gastropod shells for egg laying and parental care. Brood size is generally small, approx. 5-15, with 15 being a very high number. Fry hatch in about 6-10 days [11] . After hatching, the embryos, or "wrigglers", remain attached to the nest by mucus threads from their heads, preventing them from swimming freely. During this stage, the parents fan, clean, and turn the eggs and young to maintain optimal conditions. Parents also use their mouths to taste the eggs, identifying dead or diseased ones for removal, while turning the eggs to distribute nutrients for better development.
The hatched young absorb their yolk sacs for nutrition while stuck to the nest before their adhesive threads dissolve, at which point they become free-swimming. Once mobile, the fry venture out of the nest under close parental supervision. In some cases, parents may relocate their brood to different sites within the territory, a behavior thought to protect the young from predators. Throughout the early stages, both parents practice biparental substrate guarding, protecting their offspring from the fertilized egg stage to the free-swimming phase [12] .
Neolamprologus multifasciatus primarily feeds on zooplankton, which drifts by their colonies in the water currents. The abundance of shells in their environment allows them to remain within the safety of the colony while taking advantage of this readily available food source. Their diet primarily consists of tiny planktonic organisms, which provide the necessary nutrients for growth and reproduction.
Neolamprologus multifasciatus is currently listed as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to its stable population and adaptability. The species thrives in the extensive shell bed habitats of Lake Tanganyika, where its colonies can reach thousands of individuals. These shell beds, particularly composed of Neothauma tanganyicense shells, provide essential breeding and shelter sites for the fish [13] .
Despite its stable population, N. multifasciatus, like other species in Lake Tanganyika, faces indirect threats from environmental degradation. The lake's ecosystem is under pressure from overfishing, deforestation-induced sedimentation, pollution from urban sewage and industrial waste, and climate change.
These human-induced activities degrade water quality and affect the littoral habitats where most species, including N. multifasciatus, are found. While N. multifasciatus remains resilient due to its adaptable nature and widespread habitat, ongoing efforts to protect Lake Tanganyika’s environment are crucial to ensuring the long-term survival [14] .
In the aquarium trade N. multifasciatus are commonly known as "multies" and are moderately popular. Stores specializing in fish or quality fish stores will at least be aware of shell dwelling fish even if they are not stocked at that time. They are not as popular as larger cichlids but because they are suitable for smaller tanks and due to their prolific nature they still are widely available. Tank requirements are very similar to other African cichlids, an example is the Mbuna. Unique requirements include a sandy substrate for burrowing and the placement of shells. A tank should have at least one shell per fish, ideally two. Two other species of fish are similar to N. multifasciatus; N. similis and N. brevis. The three species are similar enough that stores normally sell them all under the common name "shellies" or "shell dwellers" [15] .
Cichlids are fish from the family Cichlidae in the order Cichliformes. Traditionally Cichlids were classed in a suborder, the Labroidei, along with the wrasses (Labridae), in the order Perciformes, but molecular studies have contradicted this grouping. On the basis of fossil evidence, it first appeared in Argentina during the Early Eocene epoch, about 48.6 million years ago; however, molecular clock estimates have placed the family's origin as far back as 67 million years ago, during the late Cretaceous period. The closest living relative of cichlids is probably the convict blenny, and both families are classified in the 5th edition of Fishes of the World as the two families in the Cichliformes, part of the subseries Ovalentaria. This family is large, diverse, and widely dispersed. At least 1,650 species have been scientifically described, making it one of the largest vertebrate families. New species are discovered annually, and many species remain undescribed. The actual number of species is therefore unknown, with estimates varying between 2,000 and 3,000.
Lake Tanganyika is an African Great Lake. It is the second-largest freshwater lake by volume and the second deepest, in both cases after Lake Baikal in Siberia. It is the world's longest freshwater lake. The lake is shared among four countries—Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, and Zambia—with Tanzania (46%) and the DRC (40%) possessing the majority of the lake. It drains into the Congo River system and ultimately into the Atlantic Ocean.
The terms shell dwellers or shelldwellers, shell-breeding, or ostracophil are descriptive terms for cichlid fish that use the empty shells of aquatic snails as sites for breeding and shelter. The terms have no taxonomic basis, although most shell-dwelling cichlids are from Lake Tanganyikas lamprologine lineage. Many shell dwelling cichlids are popular with fishkeepings and are frequently kept in aquaria.
The convict cichlid is a fish species from the family Cichlidae, native to Central America, also known as the zebra cichlid. Convict cichlids are popular aquarium fish and have also been the subject of numerous studies on fish behaviour.
Neolamprologus brichardi is a species of cichlid endemic to the alkaline waters of Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. It is a popular aquarium fish kept in the fishkeeping hobby, where it is known under a variety of common names including Princess cichlid, Princess of Burundi, Lyretail cichlid, Fairy cichlid and Brichard's lamprologus. In addition, the species is also the subject of numerous studies on fish behaviour. It is closely related to N. pulcher from the southern half of Lake Tanganyika and some have recommended merging the two into a single species.
Julidochromis is a genus of cichlids in the subfamily Pseudocrenilabrinae. They are commonly called julies and are endemic to Lake Tanganyika in eastern Africa. This genus includes six formally described species, some with a number local variants of uncertain taxonomic status. Further taxonomic work is required to determine how many species exist; the closely related Chalinochromis with two more species is sometimes included here and this may be correct. Hybridization makes attempts to determine relationships with molecular phylogenetic methods difficult.
Neolamprologus similis is a shell-dwelling cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in Africa, where it is only known along the shores of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania. N. similis is copper-coloured with vertical white stripes running from the head to the base of the tail. It can reach up to 5 centimetres (2.0 in) in total length, and it is a popular freshwater aquarium fish.
Variabilichromis moorii has no common name and is a species of freshwater cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in eastern Africa. It is a small ovate bodied fish named for an early collector of fish from the lake, John Edmund Sharrock Moore (1870–1947) who was a cytologist, zoologist and led an expedition to Lake Tanganyika and who discovered this species. Juveniles are usually yellow, and adults are dark brown to black in color. It reaches a total length (TL) of 10.3 centimetres (4.1 in). Currently it is the only member of its genus. V. moorii feeds on algae, zooplankton, and benthic invertebrates. It is also found in the aquarium trade.
Neolamprologus is a genus of cichlids endemic to eastern Africa with all but one species, Neolamprologus devosi from the Malagarasi River, occurring in Lake Tanganyika. It is the largest genus of cichlids in Lake Tanganyika and also the largest genus in the tribe Lamprologini, which includes Altolamprologus, Chalinochromis, Julidochromis, Lamprologus, Lepidiolamprologus, Telmatochromis and Variabilichromis. The latter is a monotypic genus doubtfully distinct from Neolamprologus.
Lamprologus ocellatus is a species of shell dwelling cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. It is a popular aquarium fish due to its small size, appearance, and intelligence.
Neolamprologus brevis is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika where it lives in snail shells, primarily of the genus Neothauma. It feeds is on plankton. This species can reach a length of 5.5 centimetres (2.2 in) TL. This species can also be found in the aquarium trade. The males are much larger than the females and can be identified even at a young age.
Neolamprologus leleupi is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika where it occurs throughout the lake. It is a recess-dweller, inhabiting cracks and crevices. It feeds on invertebrates living in the rich biocover of the substrate. This species reaches a length of 10 centimetres (3.9 in) TL. The color of this fish ranges from bright yellow to deep brown. Both color variations exist at each location where this species is found. This relatively small cichlid is a substrate spawner. It is easily confused with the very similar N. longior a fish also endemic to Lake Tanganyika. The specific name honours the Belgian entomologist Narcisse Leleup (1912-2001), who collected the type.
The convict julie is a cichlid species in the subfamily Pseudocrenilabrinae family endemic to Lake Tanganyika. Hence it is found in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia. The fish is named after Charles Tate Regan.
Neolamprologus fasciatus is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. This species spawns in empty snail shells. This species can reach a length of 15 centimetres (5.9 in) TL. This species can also be found in the aquarium trade. They are piscivores and their prey includes the cichlid fish Variabilichromis moorii.
Lepidiolamprologus meeli is a cichlid species in the subfamily Pseudocrenilabrinae. It is endemic to Lake Tanganyika, where it is found in the waters of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia.
Neolamprologus mondabu is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika except for the southern portion where it is replaced by N. modestus. It prefers areas with rocky substrates, moving to areas with sandy substrates to breed. It feeds on the eggs of Lamprichthys tanganicanus. This species can reach a length of 10.7 centimetres (4.2 in) TL. This species can also be found in the aquarium trade.
Neolamprologus pulcher is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika where it prefers locations with plenty of sedimentation. The common names for N. pulcher include daffodil cichlid, fairy cichlid, princess of Zambia and lyretail cichlid. This species can reach a length of 10 centimetres (3.9 in) TL. It can also be found in the aquarium trade.
Neothauma is a genus of freshwater snail with a gill and an operculum, an aquatic gastropod mollusc in the subfamily Bellamyinae of the family Viviparidae.
Lamprologini is a tribe of African cichlid fishes. It contains seven genera and nearly 100 species. Over half of the species in this tribe are in the large genus Neolamprologus. Most genera in the tribe are endemic to Lake Tanganyika, but one species of Neolamprologus is from the Malagarasi River in Tanzania, and several species of Lamprologus are from the Congo River Basin.
Polyandry in fishes is a mating system where females mate with multiple males within one mating season. This type of mating exists in a variety of animal species. Polyandry has been found in both oviparous and viviparous bony fishes and sharks. General examples of polyandry occur in fish species, such as green swordtails and Trinidadian guppies. Specific types of polyandry have also been classified, such as classical polyandry in pipefish cooperative polyandry in cichlids and convenience polyandry in sharks.
