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I have three large tanks with different varieties of fish, and have had tanks all my life, but I keep seeing "shellies" in the posts. From what I have read these are small fish. Do they require shells to live in? What makes them special and what other species do they get along with?

Barb

They're African cichlids from Lake Tanganyika. There are lots of really amazing websites about them that I encourage you to check out, and even a forum site dedicated to them, Shelldwellers.com. They're somewhat similar to other Cichlids because they like harder, alkaline waters and can be aggressive. They don't get along too well with other species (even other species of shellies), especially if you're keeping them in a smaller tank. They do need shells as they use them for hiding and laying eggs. Some even prefer to have only shells instead of a substrate. They're very interesting and beautiful. :-D

thanks for the info

Barb