Although the small species Neolamprologus multifasciatus can be seen more often in aquarium shops and enthusiasts’ aquariums, another fish from the group of banded snails that is worthy of attention is the species Neolamprologus similis. It is named after the fact that it bears a striking resemblance to Neolaprologus multifasciatus. Neolamprologus similis, however, is a different species. Starting with the physical features, the ‘similis’ is a larger fish, growing to around 43 mm. The stripes are much lighter on the dark body, and as their popular name ‘big-eyed multi’ suggests, the eyes may be larger, although by no means is this a determining factor. Adult ‘similis’ have more blue and yellow on their fins than adult ‘multifasciatus’. The stripes are decisive for a better distinction: the stripes of the ‘similis’ continue on the head, neck and tail, those of the ‘multifasciatus’ start behind the gill cover (operculum) and extend only to the beginning of the tail. Males of ‘multifasciatus’ and ‘similis’ should have the previously mentioned distinguishing features and not differ in size.
Neolamprologus similis is also behaviourally related but different. Both species live in colonies and prefer a deep bed of shells; loosen or remove the substrate if possible so that the offspring can hide under or between the shells. ‘Multifasciatus’ are much more tolerant of individuals of different ages, even in a 30 litre aquarium when space is limited, they will form colonies and are not bothered by interference with their territory. The opposite is true for “similis” – if there is not enough space for a colony, it should not be kept more than a pair or trio, as this species can be territorially aggressive. Excessive shells and visual territorial demarcation can help with this, but a 70 cm or longer aquarium that is suitable for colonies is ideal.
Care
Like Neolamprologus multifasciatus, Neolamprologus similis differs from other snails in its environmental requirements. While the ‘brevis’ and ‘ocellatus’ groups are gifted diggers, adept at burying shells and objects to mark territory, Neolamprologus similis digs for one reason: to remove substrate. It is generally believed that N. multifasciatus and Neolamprologus similis like to dig, as they are very diligent in doing so. However, the truth is that these fish do exactly what you see: they remove all the sand from their territory and put it in a place where it won’t get in the way, leaving open spaces under the shells so that their offspring have somewhere to hide. So the ideal aquarium for Neolamprologus similis is to get as close as possible to its natural conditions: consider the substrate irrelevant, except to reduce light reflections, pile up massive piles of shells instead. This is not a fish for which two or three shells per fish will suffice; the bottom should be covered with them as thickly as possible.
Other aspects of the aquarium environment are typical of most snailfish: a minimum of rocks, plants, and anything else that might take up space for the shells, as long as it doesn’t serve as a visual barrier. Good filtration and warmth are essential, although like many snails, the ‘similis’ is sensitive to low oxygen levels and you must be careful not to suffocate the fish at high temperatures.
Neolaprologus similis may be more sensitive to water hardness and to nitrates; the former should be high, between 10 and 20 degrees, and the latter low, below 40 mg/l. Acceptable hardness is an important factor for spawning success.
Good feed is also important. Neolamprologus similis is a micropredator and although it will be satisfied with pellets and even flakes, supplements should be given in the form of live or frozen treats.
Artemia, cyclops, daphnia and grindal are good choices, a mixture of these will give the best growth and colour. Frequent water changes will ensure health, but be aware that slight neglect is often the trigger for successful spawning. What usually happens is that a week’s vacation results in a new batch of young fish. However, whether the parents of the fish prefer privacy or some stability in water parameters will remain a mystery. In any case, these species spawn quietly in front of the owner.
Reproduction
Another case of “just add water”. Not to say that they are like guppies, but reproduction is comparatively easy. They spawn in shells – the female lays eggs in them and the male then hovers over them and fertilizes them. Eggs are quite small (up to a dozen young, but usually 6-8) but frequent, and older siblings rarely threaten the younger ones. The young feed themselves, but you can provide them with whatever you see fit – freshly hatched artemia, swirls, crushed flakes, defrosted artemia eggs… there is no limit to ideas.
Keep the water clean and don’t expect betta-style growth – they can take months to grow to 2cm in length. Stripes appear on specimens up to 2.5 cm in size; the offspring of ‘similis’ often look more like juveniles of Lamprologus caudopunctatus than their own parents. As with many other species, size is a good indicator of young fish – males tend to be significantly larger than females. Usually males have more pronounced stripes on their tails. Adults are much easier to recognize by the neck hump. It’s not exactly the huge pear-shaped forehead that the “frontosis” has, but it’s hard to miss when it starts to develop.