Remarks: Lamprologus speciosus are shell-dwellers that use round snail shells as breeding locations, sometimes burying the shell in sand to conceal it. In the wild, they occupy shells of snails that have been eaten by Synodontis multipunctatus. Males do grow slightly larger than females, but at a young age it is impossible to tell the sexes apart.

Lamprologus speciosus are more aggressive towards intruders than other shell-dwellers, such as Neolamprologus multifasciatus. They will attack other fish, hands, and tools if they are approached. It is best to keep a small colony of several pairs in a long tank with many clusters of shells. Slabs or large rocks can be used between clusters to break the line of sight.

These fish are should be kept in groups of 5 or more due to their social nature.

Scientific Name: Lamprologus speciosus

Common Name: Black Ocellatus

Max Size: 2″

pH: 7.5-8.6

Hardness: Hard

Temperature: 70-82

Aggressiveness: Semi-Aggressive

Region of Origin: Lake Tanganyika, Africa

Captive Bred or Wild: Captive Bred

Diet: Flake or pellet, frozen and live food

Compatibility: Lake Tanganyikan cichlids

Tank Mate Options:

• Neolamprologus leleupi
• Julidochromis marlieri
• Synodontis multipunctatus