Lamprologus ornatipinnis (Ornate Shell Dweller)

Lamprologus ornatipinnis, the Ornate Shell Dweller, is a small, shy cichlid from Lake Tanganyika known for its silvery-gold body, slender shape, and intricate, ornate patterns on its elongated fins, using empty snail shells for shelter and breeding, with males being slightly larger and more colorful than females. They are territorial shell-spawners that require plenty of shells, prefer sandy substrates, and are valued for their unique behaviors in specialized aquariums.