Locating elusive shell dwellers

[beccykit]

I've been trying to track down those small shell dwelling cichlids for a while now, but no luck. Every article I've read says they're easy to breed in captivity and are really prolific. So, I'm confused - why are they so hard to find? You'd think they'd be popular, being small and cute, and all. I asked my local fish store if they could special order some, but they said they have to be wild-caught. That doesn't make sense to me, if they breed in captivity easily.

Can anyone help me out here?

[earthie_9]

I think it's really about where you live, you know. I'm in Michigan, and I've only come across a couple of local pet stores that carry shellies - and even then, it was only a couple of species. They're just so cute, I've been tempted to get a pair or two, but I'm trying to wait until I've got the time and money to do it right.

I also think part of the problem is that not that many people know about them. If more people realized how easy they are to care for, I think they could really gain some popularity.

[beccykit]

I think it's really about where you live, you know. I'm in Michigan, and I've only come across a couple of local pet stores that carry shellies - and even then, it was only a couple of species. They're just so cute, I've been tempted to get a pair or two, but I'm trying to wait until I've got the time and money to do it right.

I also think part of the problem is that not that many people know about them. If more people realized how easy they are to care for, I think they could really gain some popularity.

I'm still holding out for some good news then.

[hillsman]

I'm lucky, my local store usually has them in stock, but I suppose that's the UK for you. I do agree, it seems like there should be plenty of tank-bred ones available. I've considered keeping them myself, but to be honest, I've been put off by the thought of trying to rehome the babies.

[beccykit]

I'm lucky, my local store usually has them in stock, but I suppose that's the UK for you. I do agree, it seems like there should be plenty of tank-bred ones available. I've considered keeping them myself, but to be honest, I've been put off by the thought of trying to rehome the babies.

I was worried about that too - ending up with lots of fry if I couldn't get all females. Rehoming is a concern for me, I'd be afraid they might not go to a good home. Do the ones at your LFS come from a breeder or are they wild-caught, I'm curious?

[hillsman]

I've no idea for certain, but I'd say they're probably from local breeders, or at least somewhere within the UK.

[hillsman]

I think the main reason for keeping shellies is to see them establish territories and raise their young - having a female-only tank would sort of defeat that purpose.

[beccykit]

I find them so endearing just observing them gliding around, lounging in their shells. From what I've read, they even rearrange the shells, which I believe might be a characteristic of the males.