Common Name: Malawi shell dweller
Description: Metriaclima lanisticola, the Malawi shell dweller, is a unique, small, peaceful Lake Malawi cichlid known for living in empty snail shells (Lanistes nyassanus) on sandy lake bottoms, unlike most rock-dwelling Metriaclima species, feeding on algae and small invertebrates, and is a sought-after, manageable "shellie" for aquarists, often having brownish/bluish hues with vertical barring in males.
Category: Cichlids
Global Region: Africa
Distribution: None
Genetic Line: Aquarium Strain
Year Acquired: 2025
Acquired 7 adults (4M, 3F) from another GCCA member. Easily bred in 40 Breeder.
Spawning notes:
Species Spawned: Yes
Have Reared Fry? Yes