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are Neolamprologus brevis hard to keep? I have a 5 gal is that big enough 4 a couple?

(dunno where 2 put this thread)

Here is a article that may help you out a bit =)
Hope it helps =p

Angel Eel

http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/breeding/Wright_N_brevis.html

They're not at all difficult to keep as long as you give them what they need: sand, sparse shells (brevis are the only known cohabiting shelldweller species, because there are so few shells in the areas they live in within Lake Tanganyika), clean, hard, alkaline water, and good food.

A pair can live in a 5, because their territories are so small. BUT, that's a real pair only, not a male and a female. I'd strongly, strongly, strongly recommend buying six juveniles, placing them in a 10 gallon tank and letting them pair off naturally. At that point you can move a pair into a 5 gallon, but you must always be very, very careful with water quality. Also, pretty soon down the line you'll need either a fry tank or a buddy with a predatory fish.

More information:
[link=http://www.shelldwellers.com]http://www.shelldwellers.com" style="COLOR: #4040FF[/link]
[link=http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/shelldweller_corner.php]http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/shelldweller_corner.php" style="COLOR: #4040FF[/link]

-Molly
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thanx so there not really 4 begginners?

Well - it depends whether the beginner does what they need. But basically, they wouldn't be my first choice as a beginner's choice, and definitely not for a five gallon. Perhaps a male betta? They can have wonderful personalities, and of course they're gorgeous.

-Molly
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whats a Conchiform? I did consider a betta but I think Ill just save up for a bigger tank, thanx 4 all your help

This is the definition of the term Conchiform

Conchiform (a.) Shaped like one half of a bivalve shell; shell-shaped.


This answer?? lol

angel eel

brevis r ime the most peaceful shell dweller not only in general but also conspecific aggression... i have a huge 3" (yes 3"!!!) F0 male that kribensis bullies... i have put unpaired male and female adult WC brevis in a 5 gal and they have paired no problem in a 5 gal.. thats how peaceful they r. with proper cover u should be able to let them pair up in a 5 gal no prob like me... they r easy to sex from a decent size... i dont think it is nessicary to get a group of 6 unless u r getting VERY small brevis... they r one of the easiest shellies to sex (the easiest i have kept) males will be much more bulkier and taller bodied,, have longer ventral fillaments (this feature really becomes very evident with aged brevis males have long streaming thread like ventral fins) males also have much more ounced striping on the cadual peduncle.. another easier way to tell once u have seen quite a few is the face... its not easy to describe but males have a more upturned angry looking mouth while females have a more smaller less threatening looking mouth.. i have had quite a few pairs and i have never had to get a group of six i have been able to sex them right in the shop at just under 2"
brevis r my favorite shellie and great shellie for a 5 gal.. my big male raises his head out of the water when i come to the tankl like a dolphin and begs like mad.. they got great personality... many people i hear say they r reclusive and hide a lot but ime after they have gotten used to surroundings and settle in and not disturbed they r even more lively and owner responsive than occies ime.. but it takes time and they dont like changes in enviroment or they will get spooked. great fish
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Last edited by Lindy at 20-Mar-2005 04:50

I agree they're the easiest shellie to sex but for someone who's never kept them I wouldn't take that bet, and, more importantly, while you may have had success putting a male and a female together I find that for long-term success with any species it's best to let them choose their own mates. Even for fairly gentle cichlids, a 5 gallon is very, very small if they decide they hate each other down the road.

-Molly
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