I started with 6 Lamprologus multifasciatus fry in a 10 gal. I now have about 20. After they get acclimated, they start to multiply. Make sure that you give them plenty of shells.
Definately depends on the species. I keep 4 gold occies in a 10g, I started with a pair of multies in a 10 and in about three months had about 20 when i moved them into a 29.
i have a 20 long with 5 orange belly brevis, and 7 or 8 ocellatus pearl, i think around 20 shells and i havent had a single problem, brevis are a good choice
Brevis are SWEET!!! I have two pairs in a 10g and the only aggressin i ever see is limited (every now and then i see some lip locking) and only between my two males.
I would agree on the brevis I keep them with gold occies and they do just fine in my tank. Shellies do need bottom space so maybe a few brevis witha few occies..