Care
The Brevis Shelldweller is endemic to Lake Tanganyika. Here it is found in the intermediate zone, where rocks give way to open sand. Unlike other species of these specialised dwarf cichlids, a pair of brevis will share a shell and live as a monogamous pair - in the areas of the lake that this particular species inhabits, the shells are not found in great abundance. The tank itself does not have to be particularly large for a pair, but it must have a soft sand substrate with a choice of empty snail shells on offer (escargot shells are usually quickly approved of). These fish should never be kept without snail shells (or substitutes such as small PVC elbow tubes). Clean water is essential, so be sure to carry out plenty of regular partial water changes. These fish can be sensitive to changes in conditions, so it is best to ensure that the new (dechlorinated) water is of the same temperature as the tank water, and should be added slowly. In larger aquaria, with open sandy areas around their home shell, these fish may be kept with other small and relatively peaceful Tanganyikan cichlids, but the fry survival rate will obviously not be quite so high. Do not use shells with tight narrow spirals, as they may become trapped. Numerous different geographic variants are available, including 'Chaitika', 'Chimba', 'Ikola Sunspot', 'Karilani', 'Katabe', 'Kigoma', 'Kitumba', 'Ruziba', 'Zaire', and 'Zambia'. Most fishes sold as brevis are actually calliurus, a very similar species with larger males and a different tail shape - look for a rounded tail with a coloured terminal band in to distinguish this species.
Feeding
Foods should be of an appropriately small size. Flake, micropellets, small frozen foods such as daphnia, baby brineshrimp, and cyclops.
Breeding
It may not be obvious that your Brevis Shelldwellers have spawned until fry are seen at the entrance of their shell. Sometimes, an early indicator that a pair is getting ready to spawn is an increase in digging activity around the shell. The eggs will be laid and fertilised within the shell, and afterwards, the female stays just inside the shell entrance and guards them. At this time, the male usually defends the perimeter of the shell pit/crater against any possible predators (whether they are present in the tank or not). After 7-10 days, the fry will begin to venture out of the shell, darting quickly back in if they feel threatened.
