FishProfiles.com Message Forums

Hello all. I'm going to the GCCA auction tommorrow. I'll be selling all my 75g jail fish except the F Ngara and Syno Angelicus. I'll be moving my Peacocks to the 75g. That leaves me with an open 40g "breeder". I think this would be a good shelly tank(sand bottom/just need shells). I'm not to familiar with the types to choose from. Looking for the coolest out there. $$$ is not a problem, just not sure what types might be available tommorow. I would like a list in order of the best on down and quantity to start with. This will be a breeding tank(obviously), so types that sell/look best is desired. Maybe Littlemousling can help me out? I welcome any insight from all. Footprint of tank is 36"x18" PH is 8.2ish, but only have a handfull of shells right now. More might be available tommorrow. Thanks for any help folks< I know its short notice.

i would attempt to field this but i think LM would be the one better suited to answer. If you cant get a response here you might try www.shelldwellers.com.
she frequents that site on a reg. basis.
hope this helps

A 40 is enough space for essentially any species of shellie. If I were you, I'd print out Cichlid-Forum's list of shellie species (so you don't actually come home with, say, N. sexfasciatus because you got it mixed up with L. speciosus - trust me, it happens! ), and then go off price and personal preference. Try for a group of at least six from whatever species you choose.

You might look for gold L. ocellatus (for color - but some aren't exactly impressive, so get a good look), L. multifasciatus (if you like colonial fish) or L. similis (ditto but a bit more rare), the Lepidiolamprologines (boulengeri, hecqui, meeli, etc - bigger, pretty mottled fish with serious attitude), or something quite different like Altolamprologus compressiceps "Sumbu" or a Telmatochromis species.

Last edited by LittleMousling at 19-Sep-2005 06:19

-Molly
Visit shelldwellers.com!

Well thanks for the responses folks. There were just too many fish at the auction, and no shellies came up in the 3 hours I stayed. Good news is I sold all the "jumbled" cichlids in the 75, so I'll be ready to go as soon as I make a decision. I'm gonna call Rick Boester to see what he has available. I will research all suggestions from you. A LFS has Similis available, but are $13 a pop. Is that a bit high? I'll hit you back after I narrow it down.

Great list LM. OK, this is what I come up with. Lamp. Calliurus(chikalakate) is my favorite. Also like Strappersii,boulengeri,signatus, and similis. I am also VERY interested in Neolamp. Buescheri(zaire gold). I'm not sure if these can be mixed with shellies in a 40 and still be a breeding operation? I believe the Signatus, Similis, and Buescheri are available in my area. Don't know where to start looking for the Calliurus. Extra info/opinions on these 5 species is readily accepted.