Osservazioni sull’etologia di Lamprologus multifasciatus Boulenger, 1906

Lamprologus multifasciatus Boulenger, 1906 (syn: Neolamprologus multifasciatus) is a little shell- breeding cichlid, endemic of Lake Tanganyika. It forms complex family groups and it is particularly suitable for ethology studies in aquarium because of its small size (males 45 mm; females 35 mm) and its life expectancy (5-8 years), not common among small fishes. In this study, we show the results of observations in aquarium about the choice of the nest, the selection and defense of territory and the developing of social groups. In the choice of the nest, a spiral shape turned out to be the determining factor: it clearly offers enough egg protection; artificial holes dug in wood in a spiral shape have been preferred to “V” shaped nests in shells. Territory is instead chosen, particularly by females, on the basis of the number of gastropod's empty shells present in that area. Till their sexual maturity, juveniles fish born in previous reproductive events cooperate to the defense of territory and of fry. Social groups of Lamprologus multifasciatus are formed by a minimum of four individuals in which both genders are represented, not necessarily by two couples.