Temporaris Shell Dweller

Telmatochromis temporalis "shell" is a dwarf cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. Unlike the larger, rock-dwelling form of T. temporalis, this variant is a facultative shell-brooder that inhabits the lake's sandy shelf zones, using empty Neothauma snail shells as shelters and spawning sites. Males reach about 4.4 cm (1.7 in), with females smaller. The body is deep and oval with subtle brown–grey colouration and faint vertical bars; males develop more intense colour and slightly extended fins during breeding.

This species demands the hard, alkaline water characteristic of the Lake Tanganyika biotope: pH 8.0–9.0, GH/KH above 15°, and stable temperature at 25–26°C. A tank of at least 80 L (20 gal) for a single pair is recommended, with fine sand substrate to allow digging and a generous supply of empty escargot or similar large shells — one per fish plus spares. Rock piles and caves provide additional cover and help break sight lines when keeping a small colony in larger tanks.

Males can be aggressive toward conspecifics, especially in smaller quarters. A single pair in a dedicated shell-dweller tank is the safest option; a group in a 150 L+ (40 gal+) tank with ample floor space and visual barriers may also work. They feed on aufwuchs, insect larvae, tiny crustaceans, and biofilm in the wild. In the aquarium offer high-quality sinking cichlid pellets with algae content, supplemented with live and frozen brine shrimp, Daphnia, and bloodworms plus spirulina or blanched vegetables. Breeding is reliable in good conditions: the female lays 20–30 eggs inside a shell; both parents guard the brood. Fry hatch in 4–6 days and accept baby brine shrimp. Lifespan is 8–10 years with proper care.