A fascinating, tiny shell-dwelling cichlid from Lake Tanganyika. Despite their minuscule size, they possess immense attitude and will fiercely defend their chosen snail shells from much larger fish (and even the aquarist's hands). They use their mouths to move sand and bury their shells to their exact liking.
Pearly Ocellatus At a Glance
Pearly Ocellatus Tank Requirements
Will Pearly Ocellatus fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Pearly Ocellatus needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Pearly Ocellatus against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Pearly Ocellatus Water Parameters
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Pearly Ocellatus Temperament & Compatibility
Pearly Ocellatus Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males are larger and establish a territory containing multiple shells to attract a harem of females. They are highly territorial and will aggressively defend their perimeter.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Alpha Male, Standard
Female
Females are significantly smaller, allowing them to comfortably retreat deep inside snail shells for protection and breeding. Best kept in a harem ratio of multiple females per male.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Shell Dweller
Pearly Ocellatus Care Guide Summary
The Pearly Ocellatus, scientifically known as Neolamprologus stappersi, belongs to the Cichlids - African family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 5 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as aggressive, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Pearly Ocellatus requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 45 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 27°C, with a pH range of 8–9 and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Pearly Ocellatus is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Pearly Ocellatus Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Pearly Ocellatus, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and shells for breeding and shelter. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Pearly Ocellatus Compatibility Notes
Classified as aggressive, the Pearly Ocellatus is a social species that requires the company of its own kind to thrive. When choosing tankmates, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks and territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Pearly Ocellatus Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Pearly Ocellatus.
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pearly Ocellatus
How big does Pearly Ocellatus get?
Pearly Ocellatus (Neolamprologus stappersi) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 5 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Pearly Ocellatus need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 45 cm are recommended for Pearly Ocellatus. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Pearly Ocellatus need?
Pearly Ocellatus thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–27°C, a pH between 8 and 9, and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Pearly Ocellatus peaceful or aggressive?
Pearly Ocellatus is classified as aggressive with an aggression score of 7 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
Can Pearly Ocellatus live alone?
No, Pearly Ocellatus should be kept in groups of at least 2 to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.
Does Pearly Ocellatus have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Pearly Ocellatus benefits from sand (sifters) and shells (breeding/hiding) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Pearly Ocellatus
These plants pair well with Pearly Ocellatus based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Carolina Mosquito Fern
Azolla caroliniana
Common Duckweed
Lemna minor
Crystalwort
Riccia fluitans
Fish Similar to Pearly Ocellatus
Black Ocellatus
Lamprologus speciosus
The Black Ocellatus is a highly entertaining and fiercely territorial shell-dwelling cichlid from Lake Tanganyika. Despite their tiny size, they have a massive personality and will vigorously defend their chosen snail shell from fish much larger than themselves. They require a sandy substrate to bury their shells and hard, alkaline water to thrive.
Brevis Shelldweller
Neolamprologus brevis
A fascinating miniature African Cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, famous for making its home inside empty snail shells. Uniquely among Tanganyikan shell dwellers, the male and female Brevis will often share the exact same shell. They require hard, alkaline water, a sandy substrate (for burying their shells), and plenty of appropriately sized shells (like escargot shells) to thrive.
Shell Dweller (Multi)
Neolamprologus multifasciatus
The smallest known cichlid in the world, endemic to Lake Tanganyika. They live, breed, and seek refuge in empty snail shells. They form highly entertaining, constantly digging colonies where multiple generations live together. Sand substrate and an abundance of empty shells (such as escargot shells) are strictly required for their survival and natural behavior.
Neolamprologus Similis
Neolamprologus similis
A fascinating dwarf cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. Known as a 'shell dweller' (or shellie), they live, breed, and seek refuge in empty snail shells (like Escargot or Neothauma shells). They are highly social, forming complex multi-generational colonies. They require hard, alkaline water, a sandy substrate for excavation, and at least 2-3 shells per fish.
Ocellatus Gold
Lamprologus ocellatus
The Lamprologus ocellatus 'Gold' is a popular and highly charismatic shell-dwelling cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. Despite their tiny size, they are notoriously fierce and will aggressively defend their territory (usually an escargot shell) against much larger fish and even the aquarist's hand. They require hard, alkaline water, fine sand for digging, and an abundance of empty shells.
Neolamprologus Tretocephalus
Neolamprologus tretocephalus
An endemic cichlid from Lake Tanganyika known for its striking resemblance to the much larger Frontosa cichlid. Despite its moderate size, the 'Tret' is highly aggressive and territorial. In the wild, they are specialized molluscivores (snail eaters) with powerful jaws. They require hard, alkaline water and rockwork caves.