Gold Ocellatus Shell Dweller (Neolamprologus ocellatus "Gold")

Quarantined specialty cichlid for carefully planned freshwater aquariums in Canada.

Gold Ocellatus is a small but bold Lake Tanganyika shell dweller valued for its warm gold appearance and outsized personality. It occupies and defends shells, creating a highly engaging display in a properly designed sandy shell-bed aquarium.

Why This Cichlid Stands Out

• Gold colour form of an iconic Tanganyika shell dweller
• Small fish with strong personality and territorial behaviour
• Excellent specialty species for shell-based aquariums

Aquarium Setup & Behaviour

Provide fine sand and multiple shells per fish, arranged with enough floor area for territories. Use stable mineral-rich water appropriate for Tanganyikan cichlids.

Although small, Ocellatus can be territorial. Do not overcrowd shell territories or assume nano size means low aggression.

Feeding

Offer small high-quality pellets and frozen/live foods sized for this compact but active cichlid.

Natural Colour & Livestock Integrity

The gold appearance is the authentic colour form of this fish; no hormones are used by Topick Aquarium to intensify colour.

Topick Aquarium Livestock Standard

All fish at Topick Aquarium are carefully quarantined and conditioned to our stable local tap water before sale. Although this species may originate from water with different natural parameters, we prioritize stable aquarium systems, gradual acclimation, species-appropriate diet, and healthy long-term condition before fish become available to customers.

Care Summary

• Scientific Name: Neolamprologus ocellatus "Gold"
• Origin: Lake Tanganyika
• Adult Size: Approximately 5–6 cm
• Care Level: Intermediate

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Gold Ocellatus bury or move shells?
Shells are central to its territory and breeding behaviour, so active rearranging of sand and shells is natural.

Can Gold Ocellatus be kept like Multies in a dense colony?
They are generally more territorial and need more individual space around their shells.

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