Welcome to the mesmerizing world of Lake Tanganyika, home to a diverse array of aquatic life. Among its many remarkable inhabitants, one species that stands out is Neolamprologus Similis, a captivating cichlid known for its unique characteristics and intriguing behavior.
Neolamprologus Similis is a fascinating species of shell dwelling cichlids, meaning, they prefer to live in empty snail shells that they find on the lake’s sandy bottom.
They are known for their unique personality and caring nature towards their fry. These fish are active and fun to watch, and they make an excellent addition to any aquarium.
We will explore the importance of understanding Neolamprologus Similis care and provide a comprehensive profile of this species.
| Name | Neolamprologus Similis |
| Synonyms | Lamprologus Similis |
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Distribution | Central coastline of lake Tanganyika in Tanzania and Congo |
| Diet | Zooplankton |
| Lifespan | 7-8 years |
| Temperature | 78oF – 80oF (25.5oC – 26.6oC) |
| pH level | 7.5-9.0 (can reach up to 9.2 in Lake Tanganyika) |
| Temperament | Tolerate one another but aggressive towards other species |
| Water Hardness | 10-12.5 dGH (Hard water), 180-220 ppm |
| Maximum Size Male | 2 inches(5 cm) |
| Maximum Size Female | 1.4 inch(3.55 cm) |
CONTENTS
- Distribution & Habitat
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Size of Neolamprologus Similis
- Behavior
- Breeding
- Lifespan
- Aquarium Setup for Neolamprologus Similis
- Setting up and Cycling Your Aquarium
- Proper Care and Aquarium Maintenance for Neolamprologus Similis
- Suitable Tankmates For Neolamprologus Similis
- Neolamprologus Similis vs Neolamprologus Multifasciatus
- Conclusion
- Reference
Distribution & Habitat
Neolamprologus Similis are native to Lake Tanganyika in Africa. They are commonly found in southern half of the lake in Tanzania and Congo, excluding the Zambian coastline.
They are typically found in depths of 35 to 100 feet (10.6 to 30.5 meters), which is why they are considered as bottom dwellers, and like to dwell in the bottom of the tank in captivity.
These shell or rock dwelling fish are typically found over sandy or rocky areas, and they can be seen swimming among small rocks in deeper levels of the lake.
Sexual Dimorphism
Neolamprologus Similis is sexually monomorphic and male and females are not visually different and hard to tell the the difference between their gender until they reach maturity. You’ll have a very hard time in the pet store to identify the male from a female.
At maturity the males are bigger than the females.
Male Neolamprologus Similis may develop a small nuchal hump when they reach their maturity.
Males also have a little yellow coloration on their fins, which is a distinguishing feature from the females, who hardly display this coloration.
Size of Neolamprologus Similis
When it comes to size, Neolamprologus Similis is relatively small, but don’t let their size fool you! The male of the species typically reaches a size of around 2 inches (5 cm), while the female is slightly smaller, at around 1.4 inches (3.5 cm).
While they may be small in size, they are big in personality and add a lot of character to any aquarium setup. They are also great for smaller aquariums, as their size means they don’t require a lot of space to thrive.
Behavior
The behavior of Neolamprologus Similis is one of the many reasons why they are so popular among aquarium enthusiasts.
These fish are always active and busy, and they are constantly digging up the sand, burying shells, and creating sand beds. Watching them work in their territory is truly fascinating and can provide endless entertainment.
However, they can become aggressive towards humans if they feel their young are being threatened. So, if you plan to put your hand into the tank, it is important to be cautious and avoid disturbing the fish, as they can bite you hands with their tiny little mouth.
This behavior is not only fascinating to observe, but it also provides insight into the complex social dynamics of this species.
Overall, the behavior of Neolamprologus Similis is unique and captivating, and they are sure to provide hours of entertainment for anyone who decides to keep them in their aquarium.
Breeding
When it comes to breeding, Neolamprologus Similis are known for their unique behaviors. While they do defend their fry, they are not as fiercely protective as some other cichlid species, such as Neolamprologus Multifasciatus.
N.Similis are substrate spawners and also called cave brooders. Male and female Similis both have their separate shells but spawning takes place inside the shell of the female and will be guarded by both parents.
In terms of mating behavior, a male can breed with multiple females. However, they typically pair off with a single female and spend most of their time in close proximity to each other.
A female can have an average brood size of 10 fry, and they mostly stay inside the shell and you can mostly see them at the time of feeding. For more information about their diet and nutrition you can check the diet section below, in this article.
Lifespan
With proper care, the Neolamprologus Similis can live for up to 8 years. However, its lifespan can be shorter if it is not provided with the proper environment and diet.
You have to maintain the water parameters at all time to ensure Neolamprologus Similis care for improving its longevity. Ensure you don’t have any ammonia and nitrite in your tank water, and keep the nitrates at 20ppm or below.
With proper care your Similis can live up to 5-8 years easily.
Aquarium Setup for Neolamprologus Similis
The habitat preference of Neolamprologus Similis is bottom oriented. A rule of 2 gallon of water per 1 inch of fish (body length) is good for a fish that is a bit on the aggressive side.
Do not overstock your tank and provide shells for each of the similis.
Tank Size
An aquarium with a large bottom space and limited height should be obtained or planned to provide security for bottom-dwelling Neolamprologus Similis.
The availability of space in the bottom of the aquarium can be used to decorate with rocks and shells to create a secure environment for the fish.
When these fish feel secure in their environment, they are less likely to attack each other.
N.Similis show their natural behavior in a minimum aquarium size of 30 cm (1 foot) in length is needed. The minimum water volume in the aquarium should be 25 liters (6.7 US gallon) for this species to grow its full natural length.
Most cichlid keepers that keep these shell dwellers recommend a 10 or 15-gallon fish tank for a starter aquarium.
Shells for Shelter
Neolamprologus Similis live inside empty neothauma shells in their natural habitat. Neothauma is a type of snail, and the sand beds in the lake is filled with empty neothauma shells.
The best substitute to replicate the natural habitat of N.Similis is to use Escargot shells.
Escargot shells (extra large) are a perfect fit for these smallest shell dwellers. These shells are snail shells, and you need the larger ones; the larger the better.
The number of shells you need for your tank should be equal to or greater than the number of N.Similis in your tank. Keep twice as many shells than the number of the fish in your tank because the male may display territorial behavior, and can steal the shell of other male Similis, to claim the shell for himself.
Don’t forget to wash and clean the shells properly, before the initial use.
Rocks for Decoration and Cover
Rocks can be utilized in the aquarium for various purposes. It can offer a sense of refuge and security for Neolamprologus Similis, in addition to serving decorative purposes. Large rocks such as Texas Holey Rocks can be utilized to create the impression of a bigger aquarium.
Texas Hole Rock is made up of limestone formed by the combination of calcite and dolomite. This sort of rock has small crevices and holes, which are ideal for Neolamprologus Similis to hide and play around.
In addition to providing a sense of refuge and security, rocks can also create a barrier and break the line of sight between males, which can help subdue territorial disputes and fights.
Ensure the rocks are smooth and without sharp edges to prevent injury to your pet cichlids as they may accidentally scrape against the sharp edges.
Substrate
Neolamprologus Similis are known to exhibit natural behavior when kept in an aquarium with sand substrate and larger shells. These cichlids tend to play with the sand, rearranging it to their liking.
A 2 inches thick deep sand bed is usually fine. However, avoid using too much sand as this can invite different kinds of bacteria to create anaerobic conditions in the deeper parts of the sand bed over time.
You can use Carib Sea African Cichlids Sand (aragonite sand) or coarse sand from a local pet shop, this also increase the pH of the water, which is beneficial for Neolamprologus Similis.
Black substrate can also be used to complement the color of the fish.
When you are adding the sand it is essential to clean it properly before using in the aquarium.
Lighting
Lighting should not be too intense as Tanganyika cichlids will lose their color in strongly lit aquarium.
Most cichlids show better coloration when the light is subdued. So, as long as we can see what is going on in the aquarium, you don’t need additional light.
Setting up and Cycling Your Aquarium
Most Tanganyika cichlids, including Neolamprologus Similis needs a cycled tank. You can’t get a Neolamprologus Similis and put it inside a tank that is not cycled. They are less likely to survive in a tank that is not cycled.
When setting up and cycling your aquarium, the goal is to create a suitable habitat for your Neolamprologus Similis.
You must prepare the tank weeks in advance before introducing your Similis to their new home. The tank must undergo a biological filtration or nitrification process to ensure it is ready for your Similis to thrive.
Biological filtration is essential for maintaining fish in a closed environment. Without it, the fish will inevitably die. Beneficial bacteria are necessary for cycling the aquarium and maintaining water parameters.
After installing your filter, it takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks to grow enough beneficial bacteria that can efficiently process your fish’s excrement, uneaten foods, and decaying plant matter.
The 4 to 6 weeks waiting period is the maturation time, during which a “test fish” is needed to complete the tank maturation process. However, you cannot introduce your Neolamprologus Similis until the maturation process is complete, or they will have a very low chance of survival.
Test Fish
For a “test fish,” you should choose a species that is extremely hardy and can withstand high levels of ammonia and nitrites. Most tropical fish fall into that category.
Inexpensive hardy “test fish,” such as Paradise Gourami or Blue Gourami, are suitable for larger aquariums. Pearl Danio and Platies are also commonly used as test fish for smaller Neolamprologus Similis tanks.
Nitrifying bacteria can be added to the tank water to introduce beneficial bacteria early on and speed up the process. These bacteria will break down the test fish’s waste and begin the nitrification process.
After 4 to 6 weeks, the maturation process is complete, and the test fish can be moved to a separate tank because Neolamprologus Similis should only be kept with Tanganyika cichlids due to water parameters and territorial disputes.
Filtration
Proper filter selection is another crucial factor during the setup and maturation process of the tank. Most hobbyists use basic sponge filters for their Neolamprologus Similis tank, as these filters are effective at removing fish waste, uneaten food, and decaying plant matter.
Sponge filters are also suitable for Neolamprologus Similis and their offspring, as their surface is too small to trap any fries and juvenile Similis.
If you plan to use canister filter or hang-on back filter install a pre-filter sponge to cover the filter intake tube of these powerful filters. This will ensure the safety of fries being sucked into it.
Water Chemistry
The waters of Lake Tanganyika, where Neolamprologus Similis originates, have a high pH and alkalinity, and mineral deposits from shells and rocks make the waters very hard.
Neolamprologus Similis prefer high alkaline and hard water. Thus, it is best to match your aquarium water to that of Lake Tanganyika.
The pH in the lake can range from 8.5 to 9.2, with a total mineral hardness of 12 to 14 kH. Most tap water in the US has a pH of 6.0 to 7.6, and the total mineral hardness may vary substantially.
Testing the pH and water hardness of your tap water is recommended using test strips or aquarium test kit.
If your tap water contains chlorine, chloramine, heavy metals, and other contaminants, then you need to add water conditioner to remove these contaminants that can harm your fish.
Heater and Thermometer
N. Similis are susceptible to temperature changes, and their water temperature must be between 76°F – 82°F (24.4°C – 27.7°C) at all times, which is the normal water range in Lake Tanganyika. A heater is necessary for very cold climates. N. Similis don’t like too much variation in temperature.
You also need a thermometer to measure the temperature besides the heater, and an accurate thermometer is vital to establish the correct water temperature.
To determine the size and wattage of heater your aquarium needs, you can refer to the back of the heater to read the instruction and specifications of the packaging. Another way is to follow a general rule of about 3 watts per gallon, suggested in the book “Lake Tanganyika Cichlids”.
Suppose you have a 50-gallon aquarium, you’ll need a 150-watt heater, according to the above book. Mount the heater in the aquarium only after it is full of water. Before installing the heater, install an accurate thermometer in the aquarium.
Maintaining the water temperature at all times is very necessary for N. Similis. When you give them the correct water chemistry and the correct temperature, their breeding is effortless.
Proper Care and Aquarium Maintenance for Neolamprologus Similis
Once your Neolamprologus Similis aquarium has been set up, it must be regularly maintained to ensure the shell dwellers’ long-term health.
In this section, you’ll learn about the proper care and maintenance of your finny friend. You’ll learn about water changes, test kits, proper diet, and food for your pet fish.
Water Changes
Regular and frequent water changes should be a standard function for keeping your shell dwellers. To ensure proper care for your N. Similis, regular water change is a must.
Several factors determine when, how much, and how often you should change your aquarium water. The number of N. Similis you are maintaining, the amount of food offered at each feeding, and how many times a day you feed your N. Similis are all important factors that will determine your water changing routine.
Your filter’s overall performance, and the amount of plant life you have inside your aquarium, are important factors as well. When your stocking density is low and there is plenty of room for your fish to live, then a 25% volume of the aquarium’s water should be changed weekly.
If it is sparsely populated (1 inch of fish per 2 gallons of water), 33% of the volume of the aquarium’s water should be changed every 2 weeks.
If you crowd your N. Similis (1 to 2 inches of fish per gallon), then do 40% to 50% water changes weekly. These are rough guidelines, and you need to monitor the nitrate levels after setting and cycling your tank for the first time.
Water Hardness
Add some cichlid salt after every water change if your aquarium water is on the softer side, just to increase water hardness. Water hardness is vital to your N. Similis.
Rocks and shells release minerals into the water, contributing to the water hardness. If you have soft tap water, then you can add crushed corals and rocks to release the minerals into the water.
Maintain the water hardness between 10 – 13 dGH. If you see your N. Similis struggling and shaking, then add a little cichlid salt and wait for some time. This should stabilize them.
Testing Water Quality
N. Similis can be sensitive to high levels of nitrates and ammonia. While some Tanganyika cichlids can tolerate high levels of nitrates for a short period of time, it is best to maintain levels below 20 ppm to avoid any health issues.
Investing in high-quality test kits can help you monitor the water quality and detect any issues early on.
After your aquarium is cycled, test the nitrate level regularly to determine when a water change is necessary.
Diet
N. Similis primarily feed on zooplankton in the wild, and you can offer a variety of aquarium foods that closely resemble their natural diet.
These are some of the food items that you can feed:
- Cichlid flakes
- Micro pellets
- Live baby brine shrimp
- Frozen brine shrimp
- Daphnia
- Frozen or dried bloodworms
- Microworm
Fries are generally fed live baby brine shrimp and daphnia.
Feed your fish twice a day, and make sure the food is appropriately sized for their mouth.
There are many Tanganyika cichlid foods available in the market, including flakes, pellets, and live food. Baby brine shrimp and daphnia are popular favorites for both parents and fry.
If you choose to feed flakes, make sure to crush or grind them to an appropriate size for your fish.
Aeration
Proper aeration is crucial for the health of your N. Similis and the beneficial bacteria in the tank. Oxygen should be available in the water at all times to prevent any issues.
Air pumps and air stones help to agitate the surface of the aquarium water and increase oxygen levels. You can install an air stone inside the sponge filter of your N. Similis tank using airline tubing and an air pump.
Regular water changes can also help improve oxygen levels in the tank by replacing old, depleted water with fresh, oxygen-rich water.
Overall, providing high-quality care for your N. Similis will ensure their health and longevity in your aquarium. By testing water quality, providing a balanced diet, and ensuring proper aeration, you can create a healthy and thriving environment for your beloved fish.
Suitable Tankmates For Neolamprologus Similis
When it comes to selecting tank mates for Neolamprologus Similis, it’s essential to consider their temperament and behavior. These shell dwellers are known for being territorial and a bit aggressive in their overall behavior, so it’s crucial to provide enough hiding spaces and shells for each fish.
However, they can coexist peacefully with other Tanganyikan cichlids, as long as, the tank is spacious enough.
Some of the suitable tank mates are:
- Cyprichromis leptosoma (top dwellers)
- Neolamprologus brichardi
- Julidochromis dickfeldi
- Neolamprologus multifasciatus
It is wise to have a larger tank if you are planning to keep tank mates. A 20-gallon tank will be a good starter aquarium for this purpose.
Keep at least 4-6 N.Similis along with 2-3 other species of Lake Tanganyikan cichlids discussed above, as these cichlids will be great tank mates.
Neolamprologus Similis vs Neolamprologus Multifasciatus
Are you trying to choose between Neolamprologus Similis and Multifasciatus for your aquarium? While they may look similar at first glance, these two species of shell-dwelling cichlids have some differences in behavior and appearance.
| Characteristics | Neolamprologus Multifasciatus | Neolamprologus Similis |
|---|---|---|
| Coloration | Whitish pale | Brown or gray |
| Stripe’s position | Stripe’s position stops at the operculum | Stripe’s position reaches all the way to the eye |
| Stripe coloration | Darker stripes on a lighter body | Lighter stripes on a darker body |
| Social behavior | More social, communal | Less social, pairs |
| Preferred habitat | Sandy areas near rocky outcroppings | Rocky areas with sandy bottoms |
| Parental instinct | Fiercely defend the fry | Less protective toward their fry |
| Behavior | Male can breed with multiple females or can have a harem | Male and female are kept in pair |
Conclusion
Neolamprologus similis is a fascinating and delightful species of Tanganyikan shell dwellers. Their small size, active personality, and unique behavior traits make them unique and set apart from others. As long as their specific needs are met, they can thrive in a home aquarium.
By providing the right type of substrate, water parameters, and diet, you can enjoy the beauty and entertainment of these little fish. With the proper care, Neolamprologus similis can live up to 8 years and bring joy to your home and fishkeeping hobby.
So, if you are looking for a small, charming, and unique fish, consider adding Neolamprologus similis to your collection.
Reference
- Back to Nature Guide to Tanganyika Cichlids – Ad Konings
- Lake Tanganyika Cichlids – Complete Pet Owners Manual – Mark Smith
- Species profile, care & behavior | Prime Time Aquatics
- Neolamprologus Similis nuchal hump and tank mates | Seriouslyfish
IMAGE CREDIT
- Cyprichromis leptosoma ‘Kitumba’ by H. Zell | Source Commons.wikimedia.org | Licence : CC BY-SA 3.0
- Julidochromis dickfeldi by Brent Tibbatts| Source : commons.wikimedia.org | License: CC BY 3.0
- “Paradise fish male” by Daniella Vereeken is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
- “Neolamprologus multifasciatus” by aquariumia is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.
