Cichlid Caves

Custom Refined Calvus, Apisto & Cichlid Huts

Some fish don’t just appreciate structure — they depend on it. Species like Altolamprologus calvus/compressiceps  and Apistogramma need tight, secure spaces where they can retreat, establish territory, and breed without stress. That’s exactly why we developed our refined ceramic huts and cichlid sites.

Even species as shell Dwellers we have made custom ceramic shells or high quality collected shells for nano cichlids such as Altolamprologus Compressiceps "Sumbu" Shell, Neolamprologus Multifaciatus, Jullichromis Transcriptus. Will like smaller tigher "Caves" or our naturally collected shells!

These pieces weren’t shaped just to look natural in a tank. They were adjusted, resized, and refined over time with real feedback from breeders who work with calvus, apistos, and other cave-spawning cichlids. Openings are proportioned to feel secure rather than exposed. Interior chambers are deep enough to offer real shelter but not so large that eggs are left unprotected. The footprint stays stable in the substrate, so fish can dig around them without causing collapse.

Breeders tested these huts in active setups — not display tanks, but working breeding systems. Observations focused on how quickly fish claimed the caves, how females behaved during spawning, and whether fry could remain protected inside. The designs gradually evolved from those real-world results rather than from aesthetic assumptions.

For calvus, the narrow, slightly elongated entrance matters. These fish prefer snug vertical security where they can turn and guard without feeling exposed. Apistogramma species, on the other hand, tend to favor rounded, low-profile cavities that allow females to control entry during breeding. Our refined forms reflect those behavioral differences.

The ceramic itself is aquarium-safe and fully submerged ready. Its natural texture helps it blend into both sand and rock layouts, whether you’re running a Tanganyika-style setup or a soft-water South American tank. Over time, biofilm and subtle algae growth help the huts integrate visually into the environment rather than standing out as artificial additions.

These aren’t decorative caves made to imitate rock. They’re purpose-built ceramic shelters shaped with fish behavior in mind and adjusted through breeder testing. The goal isn’t hype — it’s providing stable, functional spawning and retreat sites that simply work in real aquariums.