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I have several extra 20g tanks just sitting around and I thought it might be fun to set up a tank for shellies.

Of course , I have a couple of questions:

1. Which are the most fun to watch?
2. Do they all rearrange the tank like multis do?
3. Can I find some that are not only fun to watch but also colorful?

Thanks!

Becky

1. Which are the most fun to watch?

It depends what you like watching! Multis and similis have the most family-oriented behaviors; occies and the Leipdiolamprologines are the most aggressive; brevis and Sumbu comps are some of the shyest.

2. Do they all rearrange the tank like multis do?

Yes and no. When multis "rearrange" their typical main behavior is to remove all of the sand from around their shells, because they don't want it. When the ocellatus group digs, it's more focused - they bury shells, leaving the opening visible, etc. Several species don't dig much - brevis, sumbu comps, and the Telmatachromis group are good examples.

3. Can I find some that are not only fun to watch but also colorful?

DEFINITELY. For color, try Lamprologus ocellatus "gold", for patterning perhaps Lepidiolamprologus boulengeri, and for downright all-around gorgeousness you can't beat Lamprologus stappersi.

-Molly
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Several species don't dig much - brevis... are good examples....

Oh yeah? Tell that to four of my six shells now residing under 3 inches of sand!

But seriously, since brevis are all I have I highly reccommend them They're colorful in their own way, especially sunspots... and breeding behavior is always fun to watch - and that goes for all shellies.

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