Shell dwellers

The terms have no taxonomic basis, although most shell-dwelling cichlids are from Lake Tanganyikas lamprologine lineage.

Cichlids' distinctive pharyngeal teeth, in the throat of the fish, are present in shell dwellers, though small.

Armed with those and the usual teeth along with the typical dissolving qualities of water shell dwellers can eat a variety of foods in the wild and in captivity.

Eggs hatch within 48 hours, dependent primarily on temperature, and the yolk sac is absorbed within five days.

Many of the species are very accomplished diggers and for security may bury all or part of a shell, use sand as a territorial barrier, or generally amuse the owner by spitting, sifting, or throwing it.