Description
Geographic Range: Lake Malawi, East Africa
Diet: Herbivorous – primarily algae grazers; offer high-quality herbivore pellets supplemented with vegetable matter like blanched spinach or zucchini.
Average Adult Size: 3-4 inches (7-10 cm)
Preferred Water Parameters: pH 7.8-8.6, hardness (dH) 7-20°, temperature 75-82°F (24-28°C)
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (113 liters)
Acceptable Tank Mates: Other Lake Malawi cichlids such as mbuna species (e.g., Pseudotropheus, Labidochromis), avoid keeping with larger, more aggressive species; provide plenty of rock formations and hiding places to establish territories.