Care
The Signatus Shelldweller is endemic to the central section of Lake Tanganyika, where it inhabits deep water with muddy substrates. In the wild, a harem of females is served by a single male. His territory may include several small empty Neothauma tanganyicense snail shells, in which he entices females to come and take up residence. Reports from divers in the lake also indicate that this species might inhabit burrows in otherwise suitable habitat where snail shells are absent. Unlike the colonial Neolamprologus shell dwellers, males defend a patch that includes scattered shells inhabited by females within their own territories. Males often bury spare shells until a single female arrives in search of a new home. 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 bury their shells to hide their homes from other cichlids. 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 fish of open sand habitat. Do not use shells with tight narrow spirals, as the females may become trapped.
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 Signatus 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. Eventually, they will venture further, and are ignored by the adults in the tank. In species-only set ups, multiple families of fry are tolerated within the same aquarium, the raising of which are extremely rewarding. Do remember to thin the colonies out occasionally, moving the fry on to other tanks/fishkeeping friends/fish stores.
