Shell Dwellers

[E.Y.]

I'd like to start a shell dweller tank, but I'm worried about the amount of fry that might come out of it.  I really don't want to have to start another tank just to keep the fry in.  Do you think there are enough people interested that would take the fry if I offered them for free?

Thanks

[Ron]

Yes, unless you choose to raise N. brevis. Through the years, those just never seem to be very popular.

What were you considering? I'll be first in line for fry. 

[jcunningham0295]

It depends on the species you choose.  A lot of shell dwellers are not great at raising fry from my expirence.

[E.Y.]

I haven't decided yet.  I started researching more this week, but I have mostly been reading up about the tank layout, diet, breeding, stocking ratios, and those types of things.  I wanted to get the fry issue settled before looking at a specific stock.

Any recommendation?  I was thinking of using a 20 long, but I could probably also do a 29g.  My office tank of male peacocks is doing great, and now I need a tank for the house.

I won't go with brevis if you wouldn't be interested!

[E.Y.]

That is interesting, Josh.  I am definitely open to suggestions as to what anyone might have available.  Blank canvas at this point.  Will need to get the tank set up and cycled either way.

[jcunningham0295]

That is interesting, Josh.  I am definitely open to suggestions as to what anyone might have available.  Blank canvas at this point.  Will need to get the tank set up and cycled either way.

Depends what you like.  Neolamp multies are great to watch and from my experience do a good job of raising their fry.  Occies are cool to watch and have a spunky attitude, but from experience not great at raising fry.  I have to pull the shell and move to another tank usually.  Neolamp similis are like multies, but not as common in the hobby.  Lamp ornatipinnis are cool to watch too and have mixed experience in raising fry.  Lamp callipterus are cool too, male gets around 3.5 to 4" and females stay small.  Like to be kept in large harems, just started keeping these and have not breed them yet.

[E.Y.]

Thanks for all the advice.  Any chance you are breeding any of these, Josh?  Or have anyone in particular that you would recommend?  I like the look of the occies, but I'm open to something else based on availability.

[danotaylor]

I love multi's....such personality...excavate the tank end to end every week or so...constantly busy...great to watch the multi-generational fry rearing too...I started with 2 males and 4 females and after 18 months in my 15 gal had over 50...awesome little guys!



Enjoy your decision and whatever you end up with!