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Placidochromis - Lake Malawi. Smaller species (P. electra ) can be kept in tanks as small as 30 gallons, larger ones should be kept 55+. They are micro-predatory by nature, only moderately aggressive, and are polygamous mouthbrooders. (Formerly Haplochromis) |
Placidochromis phenochilus
"Star Sapphire" |
Placidochromis electra
"Deep Water Hap" |
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Protomelas - Again, another peaceful group of fish from Lake Malawi. Again, they are micro-predators, as well as polygamous mouthbrooders. Some of these Cichlids can attain large sizes, so, again, depending on the species, most need a tank size of at least 55 gallons +. Only the smallest species (P. fenestratus, P. steveni ) can be kept in tanks as small as 30 gallons. (Formerly Haplochromis) |
Protomelas sp.
"Red Empress" |
Protomelas spilonotus
"Tanzanian" (Insignis) |
Protomelas sp.
"Tangerine Tiger" |
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Pseudotropheus - This is a large group of fishes from Lake Malawi, which most people tend to consider the "Classic" Mbuna. These fish are typically grazers, so veggies must be included in their diet. They all practice polygamy, and are mouthbrooders. All Pseudotropheus need a minimum tank size of 55 gallons, although in this amount of space they are cramped, and deaths can often occur. Therefore, nothing less than 100 gallons is suggested. These fish are very colorful, and very aggressive. With a few exceptions, both the females and males are highly colorful. |
Pseudotropheus macropthalmus
"Albino Red Hood" |
Pseudotropheus zebra
"OB" (Orange Blotched) |
Pseudotropheus elongatus
"Likoma Island" |
Pseudotropheus estherae
"True Red Zebra"
(Male Above, Female Below) |
Pseudotropheus acei
"Chitimba Blaze" |
Pseudotropheus sp.
"Msobo Magunga Red"
(Male Above, Female Below) |
| Pseudotropheus "Dwarfs!" - The recent discovery of some dwarf species and races of Pseudotropheus required the addition of another summary. The smallest species, Ps. demasoni, Ps. saulosi, P. porchi, can easily be accommodated in a 30 gallon aquarium as long as they are not the only genus of Cichlid in the tank. These species seldom reach over 3 inches in length, making them great for smaller tanks. As with most larger Pseudotropheus species, the males and females of these dwarfs are both very colorful. |
Pseudotropheus saulosi
(Female Above, Male Below) |
Pseudotropheus demasoni
('99 ACA Class Winner) |
Pseudotropheus demasoni
(Male in Full Color) |
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