Care
The Calliurus Shelldweller is endemic to Lake Tanganyika. Here it is found in the intermediate zone, where rocks give way to open sand.
As adult males grow too large to fit in the females' shells, they seek shelter in nearby rocks. His territory will include several small empty Neothauma tanganyicense snail shells, in which females take up residence. Unlike the colonial shell dwellers, males defend a patch that includes scattered shells inhabited by females within their own territories. The females will spend much of their time in their individual shell; indeed it is here that each female will rest, retreat to when necessary, spawn and raise her young. The tank itself does not have to be particularly large for a pair but extra females will require their shells to be a significant distance apart. The aquarium must have a soft sand substrate in which the fish will optimally position their homes. Offer a selection of widely-spaced empty snail shells (escargot shells are usually quickly approved of). 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 water is of the same temperature as the tank, and should be added slowly. In larger aquaria, these fish may be kept with other small and relatively peaceful Tanganyikan cichlids, especially if adjacent habitats such as rockpiles are thoughtfully positioned, as these are mostly fish of open sand habitat. Do not use shells with tight narrow spirals, as the females may become trapped.
N. calliurus is very frequently misidentified as N. brevis. However, there are some distinctive differences - calliurus attains a much larger adult size, 11cm compared to the 5.5cm of brevis and also displays a yellow spot above the gill cover. Tail shape is also different, with the rounded tail of brevis being absent in this species. Instead females and young males display a cornered truncate caudal fin without strong markings.
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 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.
