Description
Geographic Range: Endemic to Lake Malawi, found along the rocky shores of the lake.
Diet:
Chindongo flavus is primarily herbivorous, feeding on algae and plant matter in the wild.
In captivity, they should be fed a diet consisting mainly of high-quality pellets or flakes formulated for herbivorous cichlids. Supplement their diet with fresh vegetables like blanched spinach, zucchini, and spirulina flakes. They may also accept occasional protein-rich foods like brine shrimp or bloodworms.
Average Adult Size:
Adult Chindongo flavus typically reach sizes ranging from 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 centimeters).
Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum tank size of 30 gallons is recommended for a small group of Chindongo flavus.
Larger tanks with plenty of swimming space and hiding spots are preferred, especially for keeping multiple specimens.
Temperament:
Chindongo flavus is generally peaceful and can be kept in community tanks with other Lake Malawi cichlids of similar size and temperament. However, they may exhibit some territorial behavior, especially during breeding.
They can be kept in groups, but it’s essential to provide plenty of hiding spots and territories to minimize aggression.
Recommended Water Parameters:
pH: 7.8-8.6
Temperature: 76-82°F (24-28°C)
Hardness: Lake Malawi cichlids prefer hard water with a dH range of 10-20.
Ammonia: Should be maintained at zero ppm (parts per million).
Nitrite: Should be maintained at zero ppm.
Nitrate: Keep nitrate levels below 20 ppm through regular water changes and efficient filtration.