Pearl Shell Dweller (Lamprologus stappersi)

Common Name

Pearl Shell Dweller
Lamprologus stappersi

This is a Lake Tanganyika shell dweller prized for its pearly spotting, big personality, and true shell breeding behavior.

Origin and Habitat

Lamprologus stappersi is endemic to Lake Tanganyika, with records placing it on the west coast in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is associated with sandy areas where empty gastropod shells collect, and it uses shells as both refuge and breeding sites.

Shell patches act as the center of territories, with females occupying individual shells and males defending a wider area that may include multiple shells. These are clear, highly mineralized waters with gentle near shore movement, and the habitat is defined by sand, shells, and nearby rock structure rather than dense plant growth.

Biotope. A true Tanganyika shell bed setup is mostly sand, shells, scattered rocks, and algae growth rather than heavy planting. Where submerged macrophytes occur along protected shorelines, documented plants include Hydrilla verticillata, Ceratophyllum demersum, Potamogeton schweinfurthii, and Vallisneria species.

In nearby shell bed zones and adjacent sand habitats, other shell breeding lamprologines may be present, and the broader Tanganyika community includes many specialized cichlids across sand, rock, and open water habitats.

Temperature and Water Conditions

Preferred aquarium range is 23 to 27.5 °C, which is 73 to 81.5 °F.

Lake Tanganyika water is naturally alkaline and mineral rich, with high pH and elevated conductivity compared with most freshwater systems.

We do not recommend chasing or altering water parameters except in special breeding situations. Stable conditions are far more important.

Aim for zero ammonia and zero nitrite, low nitrate, strong oxygenation, and steady temperature. Match new water closely and add it gently during water changes to avoid sudden shifts.

Appearance and Size

Adults are compact, with a bright, pearly pattern of spots across the body and fins. Many individuals show a darker mask through the eye and a subtle blue sheen on the flanks under good light.

Males tend to be larger and may show slightly more extended finnage, while females are typically smaller and spend more time tucked into shells, especially when breeding.

Maximum reported size is about 5.1 cm, which is about 2.0 inches, with some hobby references noting males can reach around 6 cm while females stay smaller.

Diet in the Wild

This fish feeds on small invertebrates taken from the sand and the water immediately around the shell bed, including tiny crustaceans and other small prey items.

Across Lake Tanganyika’s lamprologine cichlids, many species are specialized in feeding on small benthic and planktonic invertebrates depending on microhabitat, and shell associated zones support a steady supply of small animal foods.

Feeding in Captivity

Feed small portions once or twice daily, with enough that they finish quickly, then remove leftovers to keep water pristine.

A solid rotation is a high quality small pellet or granule as the staple, plus frozen foods like cyclops, baby brine shrimp, mysis, and finely chopped shrimp based blends a few times per week. Live baby brine shrimp is excellent for conditioning adults and growing fry.

Because this species feeds close to the bottom and around shells, choose foods that sink and scatter lightly so lower ranking fish can eat without being pushed away.

Behavior and Tank Setup

Pearl Shell Dwellers are territorial but manageable when kept the way they organize themselves in nature, with shells and spacing doing most of the work. One male with multiple females is the classic arrangement, with each female holding her own shell territory within the male’s broader defended area.

For a small harem, a 60 cm tank footprint is a strong minimum, and larger is better if you want more females, more shells, or a calmer social structure. Provide more shells than fish, spread out across open sand, so each fish can claim a home.

Use fine sand so they can dig and partially bury shells. Add piles of empty snail shells and include a few rocks at the edges to break lines of sight. Strong filtration and excellent water quality matter more than high flow, but keep oxygen high with steady surface movement. A lid is recommended.

Tank mates should be calm Tanganyika species that will not steal shells or hover over the shell bed. Avoid aggressive rock dwellers in small tanks, and assume very small shrimp and newborn fry may be eaten.

Breeding

This is a shell breeder that spawns inside a chosen shell. The female provides most egg and fry care inside the shell, while the male primarily defends the territory.

The simplest triggers are stability, heavy feeding with meaty foods, and lots of shells in a mature, clean, mineral rich tank. Keep multiple shells available so females can choose the best fit and subordinate fish can retreat.

Protective structures that improve survival include abundant shells, fine sand for shell positioning, and edge rock piles that reduce constant chasing. As fry become free swimming, parents may defend a small area around the home shell and sometimes create a shallow pit nearby for the young to gather.

Breeder’s Tips

• Start with a group so a male and multiple females can sort out naturally
• Provide more shells than fish, with mixed opening sizes
• Use fine sand so shells can be partially buried and stabilized
• Feed small meals twice daily, add frozen cyclops and baby brine shrimp for conditioning
• First foods for fry include baby brine shrimp and fine powdered fry foods
• Do small, frequent water changes to keep nitrate low and stability high

Quick Facts

• Scientific name: Lamprologus stappersi
• Common name: Pearl Shell Dweller
• Origin: Lake Tanganyika, Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Adult size: About 5.1 to 6 cm, about 2.0 to 2.4 inches
• Temperature: 23 to 27.5 °C, 73 to 81.5 °F
• pH: Alkaline Tanganyika conditions, keep stable rather than exact
• Hardness: Hard, alkaline, mineral rich water is preferred
• Temperament: Territorial around shells, best kept with spacing and many shells
• Diet: Small invertebrates, accepts pellets and frozen foods
• Breeding: Shell breeder, provide many shells and fine sand

Tropical Fish Co. Notes

If you love fish that actively use the aquascape, this is one of the most rewarding Tanganyika species you can keep. Once you give them fine sand, plenty of shells, and stable hard water, you will see constant behavior, digging, shell arranging, and tight territorial interactions that stay fascinating without turning chaotic.

The secret is footprint and shells. A wide sand flat with more shells than fish makes them calmer, makes breeding easier, and lets you watch the full social structure. Keep water changes consistent and gentle, keep nitrates low, and you will be surprised how much personality can fit inside a two inch cichlid.