Hecq’s shell-dweller - Neolamprologus hecqui

Scientific name: Neolamprologus hecqui

Common name: Hecq’s shell-dweller

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 5 - 8 cm (1.97 - 3.15 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 7.8 - 9

Recommended water hardness: 10 - 20°N (178.57 - 357.14ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 24 - 27 °C (75.2 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Overview

Neolamprologus hecqui (Hecq’s shell-dweller) is a small Tanganyikan cichlid that lives and breeds in empty snail shells on sandy bottoms. Compact, alert, and highly territorial around its shell cluster, it is a classic “shellie” best displayed in a species setup or carefully chosen Lake Tanganyika community.

Care & Tank Setup

• Tank & footprint: A 60–90 cm tank with a generous sand area; height is less important than floor space.
• Substrate & shells: Fine sand (depth 5–7 cm) for digging. Provide 2–3 shells per fish (e.g., Neothauma or escargot shells 4–5 cm opening). Arrange shells in clusters to define territories.
• Water: pH 7.8–9.0, hardness 10–20 °dGH (high KH helpful), temperature 24–27 °C. Strong oxygenation and low nitrate are essential.
• Aquascape: Keep the shell field open; add rock piles at the back/sides to break sight lines and offer retreats.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous micro-predator. Offer small, high-quality foods:

• Staples: Fine cichlid granules/micro-pellets and premium flakes.
• Frozen/live: Cyclops, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, finely chopped mysis.
• Feed small portions 2–3× daily; avoid fatty “worm-heavy” diets long term.

Behavior & Compatibility

• Conspecifics: Territorial around shells. Keep as a pair or a small colony (1 male with 2–3 females) with ample shells to diffuse aggression.
• Other fish: Works with compatible Tanganyika species that occupy different niches (e.g., midwater Cyprichromis, small rock-dwellers that ignore shells). Avoid large predators and bottom foragers that disturb the shell bed.

Sexing

Males are larger with slightly longer fins and bolder behavior; females remain smaller and rounder. External sexing can still be subtle—size and behavior near shells are the best clues.

Breeding

A classic shell brooder. Provide a harem (1♂ : 3–4♀) or a well-matched pair. Females lay adhesive eggs deep in the shell; the male guards the territory. At 25–26 °C eggs typically hatch in about 3 days, and fry become free-swimming after another 3–7 days. Feed newly hatched brine shrimp, microworms, or rotifers.

Lifespan

Typically 5–7 years with stable, mineral-rich water and low stress.

Origin

Endemic to Lake Tanganyika (East Africa); sandy littoral zones scattered with snail shells, often near rocky margins.

Short description

A feisty shell-dweller that digs, rearranges sand, and vigorously defends its tiny territory. Success hinges on abundant shells, fine sand, high alkalinity, and careful tankmate choice.

At-a-Glance (Care Box)

• Size: ♂ 6–8 cm; ♀ 4.5–6 cm
• Temperament: Territorial; defensive around shells
• pH: 7.8–9.0  |  GH: 10–20 °dGH (high KH preferred)
• Temp: 24–27 °C (75–81 °F)
• Tank: Shell field on fine sand; 2–3 shells per fish
• Diet: Small carnivore foods; cyclops, BBS, fine granules
• Breeding: Shell brooder; 3 d to hatch, fry free-swim in 3–7 d
• Lifespan: 5–7 years

Picture

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.