This is one of the most common snails, occurring in a variety of colour forms. The golden variant is more common, occurring in a range of colours from deep orange to red, or in brownish to yellowish forms; there are also blue or purple types and a yellow-finned variety. L. ocellatus are territorial and moderately aggressive fish. They take biting the hand that feeds them for granted, so it is a very good thing that their mouthparts are very small. The sparkle and gusto of this species would be very difficult to handle if they were larger; but this way it is just a cute, fun characteristic of the 6 cm cichlids. The ability to fend for themselves makes them good shell dwellers in a reasonable tangan-type tank; they can protect themselves and their territory from larger fish without showing any respect. L. ocellatus, like other shell dwellers, needs hard, alkaline and warm water. Unlike other species, it needs considerable space; each territory should be 30 cm or more in diameter, so a small group should be placed in an 80 l tank. Although not a grouper, young fish are generally well tolerated.
The sex of L. ocellatus can be distinguished by the shape of the head by an experienced keeper, which can be a problem for the novice keeper. The female’s muzzle is much shorter, with a sharper slope from the eyes to the mouth, and also has smaller lips. The best way to spot the difference is to take a few photographs of identified specimens of L. ocellatus. With good side shots, you will discover the head shape of both the male and female; the difference should be clearly visible. Such knowledge can help in identifying live fish (or other photographs). Females are also lighter in most cases. Even so, it is best to start with six young fish and let them choose for themselves who will stay and who will be excluded from society.
L. ocellatus are relatively easy to raise if you provide them with clean water, a good diet, and some privacy. Complying with the last condition is rather difficult, as this species is so fascinating that it is hard to resist observing it. But a keeper of L. ocellatus can often expect to find a new and unexpected school of young fish hiding in their mother’s shell when they return from holiday. The eggs are laid and cared for by the female, who may remain in the shell for several hours, but usually sits on the edge of the shell, waving her pectoral fins to bring oxygenated water to the eggs, and after a day or two the little fish hatch. The fry may remain in the shell for up to a week, during which time the female digs a hole to keep them from wandering far away. The female gradually enlarges the hole, as the fish become more able to swim, until they are too large for the hole. Slow-growing fry need to be given the conditions to grow as quickly as possible (feed several times a day, maintain water temperature and frequent water changes). If the fish are pampered, their growth can be surprisingly fast and their parents will appreciate the extra care.