Shells for my calvus?

[Noodles]

What kind of shells do I need to get, that my calvus will like? And where? I've got a bunch of rocks and pots but the female doesn't like any of it, so she gets harassed quite a bit. I would love for her to feel at home:)

[geoff]

it first matters how big they are are because it takes a long time to get them to sexual maturity but for the shell they need to be big enough for the female but small enough to keep the larger male out. it helps if you get a bunch and once the female makes a prefrence remove some of the extras. i have had my female comp. using a shell like this but hers is larger:

http://xahlee.org/xamsi_calku/blabi2/blabi2.html

[jvision]

If you can find moon snail shells, they'll work. I also heard that a cave made from tile will work - just keep the opening as small as possible.

[Distichodus]

Im sure you could make something like these!!!

http://www.cichlidbreeding.com/proddetail....caves&cat=8

[fairdeal]

With any type of shell you always run the risk of the female getting stuck. The internal shape of the shells are conducive to this happening. I use pinecone caves and my calvus and compessiceps breed like rabbits with not even the remotest chance of the female getting stuck.

[Linsay]

Your babies seem to like this one :thumbs:

Here's a better shot of the shell

Edited May 21, 2008 by Linsay

[Noodles]

Thanks for the advice. I think I'll try the pincone caves.