Size : 2.5 inches (6.3 cm) Water Parameters : pH 7.4 - 8.4 | dH range: 7 - 30 | Temperature : 73°F - 80°F (23°C - 27°C) Lifespan : 5 years, likely longer Origin / Habitat : Africa: Lake Malawi, found at Pombo and Ndumbi reefs in Tanzania in 3 to 4 meters of water. The Mbuna group is endemic to Lake Malawi; their name stands for rock-dweller in the native language, so these fish are most at home among large rocks along the shoreline of the lake.You have seen them most likely in videos where there are hundreds of them bunched in one place, but contrary to this, they are very territorial and very few species tend to school together; … | Privacy Policy | Terms of use, How to Hatch Brine Shrimp Eggs Without Air Pump, Why is Aquarium Driftwood So Expensive? Assorted Mbuna Cichlid Packs Size at Shipping: 2″ fish. Malawi Mbuna Cichlids Tank setup In general, a mixed mbuna community should not really be attempted in tanks less then 3ft / 1 metre long (about 25-30 gallons), and opting for this minimum size will restrict the number and species of mbuna that can be kept, as well as … googletag.defineSlot('/1030735/PetGuide_com_300x250_Top1_PETS_Content', [300,250], 'PetGuide_com_300x250_Top1_PETS_Content').defineSizeMapping(googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1024, 10], [300, 250]).addSize([642, 10], [300, 250]).addSize([0, 0], [99999, 99999]).build()).addService(googletag.pubads()); Description: As the name suggests, this Mbuna has a vivid, yellow coloring. I was researching mbuna cichlids and came upon these beautiful demasonis. They live amongst the rocks, in comparison to … Many think this is the prettiest of all the Mbunas. Business hours. Sand for burrowing. Origin/Habitat: Lake Malawi Africa . There are two general types of cichlids in Lake Malawi: Mbuna, which are rock dwelling fish, and non-Mbuna, that live in the sandy areas of the lake and feature such species as the bright and colourful Peacock cichlid. My living room mbuna aquarium setup is always a conversation starter. In the home aquarium, Mbuna cichlids should be offered commercial flakes, pellets, and granules designed for herbivorous species as well as some fresh vegetables and seaweed wafers. googletag.pubads().setTargeting("folder2", "fish"); Since this lake rests over active tectonic plates, the water has high pH, GH (general hardness), mineral, and KH (carbonate hardness) levels. This family of fish is very widespread and diverse no doubt. Size Male Female Unsexed; Juvenile: Premium: Young adult: Adult: Select options. googletag.pubads().setTargeting("folder1", "breeds"); In terms of water parameters, you will probably need a heater as the water should be around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH level of 7.9. The name Mbuna translates to "Rock Fish", as they like to reside in and … dfp728Slots.push(googletag.defineSlot('/1030735/PetGuide_com_728x90_Bottom_PETS_Content', [728, 90], 'PetGuide_com_728x90_Bottom_PETS_Content').defineSizeMapping(dfpMapping728x90).addService(googletag.pubads())); Adult Size: 3 - 4" Temperament: Mildly aggressive, one of the more peaceful Mbuna. Just choose your quantity and we’ll pick you an assortment based on seasonal availability at the farm. Auratus cichlids can grow between 4 to 6 inches. Mbuna Cichlid Habitat. Breeding: Maternal Mouthbrooder . Cichlids are used to a higher pH level (7.5 – 8.5) so you’ll have to take care of that, too. Helping Your Mbuna Cichlid Reach Its Full Size Potential. Texas holey rock is definitely on top of the list when it comes to mbuna cichlids. Maximum size: about 7" long, which makes this one of the larges Mbuna Cichlids. Assorted Mbuna Cichlid Packs Size at Shipping: 2″ fish. !function (e, f, u) { Size Male Female Unsexed; Juvenile: Premium: Young adult: Adult: Select options. Categories . googletag.defineSlot('/1030735/PetGuide_com_1x1_Slimcut_PETS_Content', [1, 1], 'PetGuide_com_1x1_Slimcut_PETS_Content').addService(googletag.pubads()); Fish are known to somewhat grow to the size of the tank, so having a larger tank will allow them to grow larger. dfp728Slots.push(googletag.defineSlot('/1030735/PetGuide_com_728x90_Top_PETS_Content', [728, 90], 'PetGuide_com_728x90_Top_PETS_Content').defineSizeMapping(dfpMapping728x90).addService(googletag.pubads())); Yes, there are some smaller ones that are classified as dwarf Mbuna Cichlids, which can be as small as 2 inches, and there are others which can grow to 5 inches, although this is rare. On average, the Bumblebee Cichlid grows up to six inches in length. A shoaling cichlid found throughout Lake Tanganyika, Paracyprichromis brieni is closely related to Paracyprichromis nigripinnis and the more commonly known Cyprichromis species.P. In other words, you should have a good filtration unit that engages in all 3 major types of filtration. .addSize([320, 700], [320, 50]) Size: 4-5 inches . An article about Mbuna cichlids, their care and breeding. Maximum size: about 7" long, which makes this one of the larges Mbuna Cichlids. .addSize([768, 200], [728, 90]) Mbunas are a large group of Cichlids known best for their lively (aggressive) demeanor active personality. The male fish often try to take the territory of other fish because of their highly territorial nature. var src = (useSSL ? Mbuna are smaller and tend to have flat faces, which enables them to better scrape algae from rocks. Mbuna cichlids compatibility. They are aggressive and territorial and you need to keep lots of them, so a large tank is a must. Above: In the picture a young premium quality Albino Melanochromis Auratus is swimming in one of our aquariums, when one of us snapped this picture . There is every color imaginable. '//www.googletagservices.com/tag/js/gpt.js'; It is twice as long, but its body mass can be up to 4 times that of a fish half its … Mbunas are a large group of Cichlids known best for their lively (aggressive) demeanor active personality. _taboola.push({article:'auto'}); Click on a picture below to shop and learn more about that Mbuna. googletag.defineSlot('/1030735/PetGuide_com_320x50_Bottom_PETS_Mobile', [320,50], 'PetGuide_com_320x50_Bottom_PETS_Mobile').defineSizeMapping(googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1024, 10], [99999, 99999]).addSize([642, 10], [99999, 99999]).addSize([0, 0], [320, 50]).build()).addService(googletag.pubads()); Size of Mbuna/Peacock cichlid hybrids? Origin: Auratus are Mbunas, which is a large family of Cichlid fish that originally lived only in Lake Malawi in East . But the recommended minimum for maintaining this cichlid is 8 individuals, anything under would result in aggressive behavior. When it comes to fish that originate in Africa, one of the most interesting ones is the Mbuna Cichlid. Add to wishlist. Temperament / Behavior: mildly aggressive . _taboola.push({article:'auto'}); For one, this means having super clean water that is free of toxins like ammonia, nitrates, and other substances. AquariumFish.net. These two genera are probably the broadest the category of Mbuna. They are fine to be in a 40 gallon breeder aquarium, they spend a lot of their time in the rocks and caves so they don’t need all of the open swimming space. 1-858-270-1182. Mozambique Elongatus; Malawi Peacock Cichlids; Haps / Victorians; Lake Tanganyika Cichlids. Their teeth are closely spaced, making them look like incisors. googletag.defineSlot('/1030735/PetGuide_com_300x90_Spotlight_PETS_Content', [300,125], 'PetGuide_com_300x90_Spotlight_PETS_Content').defineSizeMapping(googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1024, 10], [300, 125]).addSize([642, 10], [300, 125]).addSize([0, 0], [99999, 99999]).build()).addService(googletag.pubads()); Some species of mbuna can be quite aggressive, especially the larger varieties. Lake Malawi is very rocky along the coastline and that is where Mbuna cichlids are found. })(); Order more, you’ll get more varieties! But further revisions have led to the split of this genus into three different sub-genera: Pseudotropheus Tropheops, Pseudotropheus Pseudotropheus, and Pseudotropheus Maylandia. Different species have a little bit of a different diet requirement so it is good to understand what kind you have. Above, a mature male OB Labeotropheus fuelleborni, which is often called a "Marmalade Cat". dfp728Slots[i].set('adsense_background_color','ffffff'); Get the newsletter for bi-weekly updates on news & events in the Aquascaping world. The male digs a nest in the substrate where the female lays her eggs – the male fertilizes them as s… Comments: This is a fabulous fish with interesting colors. As the name implies, most mbuna are cichlids that live among the piles of rocks and along the rocky shores of Lake Malawi, as opposed to other Haplochromide cichlids that live in the open water or on sandy shores or soft substrates. deployads.push(function () { deployads.gpt.enableServices() }); In the wild mbuna rarely top 7.5–10cm/3–4in total length but fed rich foods in the aquarium they can reach 12.5–15cm/5–6in. Lake Malawi Mbuna Cichlids. In the past, the genus Pseudotropheus was commonly used to refer to varieties of Mbuna species inhabiting Lake Malawi. pH: 7.8-8.2 . The name Mbuna translates to "Rock Fish", as they like to reside in and around rocks. Species selection Getting started with Mbuna can be somewhat difficult, so we made it easy right here. //Add Taboola Header tag functions to eu and non-eu arrays. Males of the species are usually larger than females and more brightly colored – the dominant male of any territory will be the most brightly colored. They are fine to be in a 40 gallon breeder aquarium, they spend a lot of their time in the rocks and caves so they don’t need all of the open swimming space. Temperature: 78-80 degrees F . So, when we are talking about the size of Mbuna Cichlids, we are talking about a rough size here. Species selection Getting started with Mbuna can be somewhat difficult, so we made it easy right here. The most famous is probably mbuna cichlid, and for a reason. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; By Ainsley Allred, 3 years ago on General Freshwater Questions. They range in maximum size from four to six inches. Each rock is unique in size, shape and texture, so they give the tank a nice, exotic look. They display colorful, bright patterns of horizontal stripes or vertical bars. This African Cichlid aquarium is the one that started me back in the hobby. googletag.cmd.push(function () { These guys are herbivores, so an algae based diet with lots of plant life is best. And can live for more than 10 years in captivity if the tank water conditions and other vital parameters are favorable. All content and design ©2017 Aquascape Addiction. Mbuna are a little bit smaller and are more of the rock dwelling cichlids. .addSize([320, 400], [320, 50]) Even though they are considered a dwarf mbuna cichlid only reaching about 3.4 inches as adults, they still need a tank that is at least 55 gallons or larger to provide swimming room and to allow you to keep them in a school. The Auratus Cichlid (Melanochromis auratus) is a highly-aggressive cichlid that is also called the Malawi golden cichlid or the golden mbuna. Yes, there are some smaller ones that are classified as dwarf Mbuna Cichlids, which can be as small as 2 inches, and there are others which can grow to 5 inches, although this is rare. The most ideal tank size for the Bumblebee Cichlids is a 50 … if (typeof(dfp728Slots) !== 'undefined' && dfp728Slots.length > 0) { Name: Demasoni cichlid Scientific name: Pseudotropheus demasoni Alternative name: Dwarf mbuna Family: Cichlidae Size:3 inches (7.6 cm) Care level: Moderate to hard Minimum tank size: 55 gallons or more for larger groups (recommended to keep in large groups) Temperature: 23 degrees to 27 degrees Celsius Water conditions:5 to 8.5 pH Diet: Omnivorous Lifespan: 10 years Temperament:Aggres… Aquascapeaddiction.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites. googletag.pubads().setTargeting("folder3", "mbuna-cichlids"); Some other dwarf mbuna such as Pseudotropheus minutus also have the same body, head and teeth shape and sizes, but their main color is blue with black barring, more common in mbuna. This cichlid grows a bit over 3 inches (8.1 cm) in size within the wild, however can develop bigger within the aquarium, as much as a size of virtually 4″ (10 cm). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Zebra Mbuna Cichlid Pictures: a 5" long mature male Cobalt Zebra swimming in one of our aquariums, when we took this picture. What Do African Cichlids Eat (Peacocks, Mbuna, Fry) Over the last couple of years I have had a tank of African cichlids and I have learned a lot about what to feed them. In the wild, these cichlids feed on algae growing on the rocks, supplementing their diet with small insects and crustaceans. dfp728Slots[i].set('adsense_text_color','000000'); However, mbuna is a common name for a whole lot of varieties, and the name itself simply means “rockfish”. Mbuna Cichlid Tank Mates. The tropheops, I am not sure, but I have a suspicion they may be able to crossbreed with the demasonis and the … googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); e.async = 1; }(document.createElement('script'), document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0], '//cdn.taboola.com/libtrc/verticalscope-network/loader.js'); A community of Mbuna Cichlids, which is about 6 to 8 of them, require at least a 75 gallon tank, but larger is better. f.parentNode.insertBefore(e, f); The name Mbuna translates to "Rock Fish", as they like to reside in and around rocks. if ( gfchelper.isAdProviderAllowed("taboola") ) { The pictures are from about two days ago, but the only difference between then and now is that some of the darker colored fish have … dfp728Slots[i].set('adsense_border_color','ffffff'); Twelve genera of Lake Malawi cichlids are classified as Mbuna cichlids – these genera include the following: Mbuna cichlids are some of the most brightly colored freshwater fishes in the world, exhibiting a wide range of colors and patterns. It’s thought of to be within the ‘dwarf’ class as a result of its size. There are two general types of cichlids in Lake Malawi: Mbuna, which are rock dwelling fish, and non-Mbuna, that live in the sandy areas of the lake and feature such species as the bright and colourful Peacock cichlid. googletag.pubads().setTargeting("filename", "index_html");//base path Origin: Auratus are Mbunas, which is a large family of Cichlid fish that originally lived only in Lake Malawi in East ... Reading various accounts it would seem that any tank mates should be about the same size or bigger and should not resemble the demansoni in color or markings. Males of the species are usually larger than females and more brightly colored – the dominant male of any territory will be the most brightly colored. Common names in Fish Keeping Hobby are Kenyi, Kennyi, Zebra Malawi Cichlid, Zebra Mbuna. You can stack the rocks to create your own aquascape. Lake Malawi Mbuna Cichlids Albino Auratus $ 9.95 IN STOCK. Tank Mate Compatibility: Other Mbuna Cichlids Lake Malawi fish dwell a median of 6 to 10 years. You won’t believe the specular show that’s going on in your aquarium! Maylandia estherae (the Red Zebra mbuna, Red Zebra Cichlid, or Esther Grant's Zebra) is a haplochromine cichlid.It is a rock dwelling fish or mbuna from Lake Malawi.This fish, like most cichlids from Lake Malawi, is a mouthbrooder - females hold their fertilized eggs then fry in their mouths until they are released after about 21 days. "); Scientific Name: Pseudotropheus socolofi Place of Origin: Lake Malawi Adult Size: 5 - 6" Temperament: Mildly aggressive Description: These larger sized Mbuna are albino with the typical phenotype of lack of pigmentation and reddened eyes. You should also avoid keeping conspecifics (fish that look similar to each other) in the same tank. Including species like the blue M. johanni or the gold M. auratus, these are very tempting for the newcomer to African cichlids. // mobile ads .addSize([480, 200], [320, 50]) Lake Malawi fish dwell a median of 6 to 10 years. .. Why Us? Common names in Fish Keeping Hobby are Snow white Cichlid, Albino Cichlid, Albino Socolofi, Albino Malawi Cichlid, Albino Mbuna, White Morph, Albino Pindani & so on. Finally, to create the right environment for your mbuna cichlids, you need a proper foundation – substrate. These cichlids are unique in that both the males and females of each species exhibit bright colorations, not just the male. The smaller mbuna species will grow to a maximum of about 3", and the largest species will grow to about 8", but most Mbunas grow to be between 4" and 5" long. Mbuna cichlids can reside as … min purchase no less than 6. Size of Mbuna/Peacock cichlid hybrids? The best substrate for Mbuna is definitely sand. Mbuna are primarily rock dwelling fish. To help Mbuna Cichlids reach their full size, you should also be creating ideal water conditions. Lake Malawi is deep and wide, and you want a tank in the ballpark of 48 × 24 × 24 inches. To start right with mbuna a 120cm/4ft tank or larger is best. ... Growth, Max Size, and Life Span Mbunas grow to a length of 1.5" to 2" in a few months, and this is the size we … They originated in Lake Malawi, an African great lake that is considered the ninth largest lake in the world. Using the common cichlid clues; pointed fins vs. blunt fins, color vs. color, size and behavior you can eliminate the obvious and be able to sex the fish. Common names in Fish Keeping Hobby are Snow white Cichlid, Albino Cichlid, Albino Socolofi, Albino Malawi Cichlid, Albino Mbuna, White Morph, Albino Pindani & so on. One of the most common diseases affecting aquarium fish, Ich or White Spot Disease is highly contagious. There are so many new species and or color morphs, their locale has become part o… Mbuna cichlids generally begin breeding by the time they have grown to a length of 3 inches – this usually occurs when they are about 1 year old. Yellow lab cichlid Description. Mbunas are a large group of Cichlids known best for their lively (aggressive) demeanor active personality. All Mbuna cichlids are herbivores except for those belonging to the Labiochromis genus. Mbuna Cichlid: In theory, up to 4 Mbuna cichlid will fit in a 30-gallon tank (depending on the species) comfortably. Premium Aquarium Fish for Sale Online. Just choose your quantity and we’ll pick you an assortment based on seasonal availability at the farm. The name mbuna means "rockfish" in the language of the Tonga people of Malawi. You can distinguish Bumblebee Cichlids from other Mbuna … A clean, pristine tank is what makes us tick. These cichlids are some of the most aggressive and territorial of all cichlid species so they generally need to be kept alone or in large tanks. .build(); dfp728Slots[i].set('adsense_url_color','0983B6'); Mbuna (pronounced boo - nuh) is the common name for a large group of African cichlids from Lake Malawi, and are members of the haplochromine family. Some species of mbuna can be quite aggressive, especially the larger varieties. (As well as discounts & coupons on stuff you already buy.). However, in a home aquarium, due to having access to lots of food, Mbuna Cichlids can grow to 6 inches or 12 cm in length, with some variation depending on the e… They solely develop to about 2 half to three inches (6.four to 7.6 cm) in size. e.src = u; It is the 9th largest lake in the world and is located between Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania. The Electric Blue Johanni Melanochromis johannii (previously Pseudotropheus johannii) is a real beauty that offers pizzazz to the African cichlid aquarium.The coloring of both the male and female is very appealing, and they almost look like two separate species. Scientific Name : Pseudotropheus demasoni Common Names : Dwarf Mbuna Care Level : Easy to keep and a good beginner's cichlid. Lake Malawi Mbuna Cichlids. Although most of them grow to roughly the same size, there are some differences between the different types. Common name: Rusty Cichlid, Lavender Mbuna Scientific name: Lodotropheus Sprengerae Average Adult Fish Size: 12cm / 4 Inches Place of Origin: Lake Malawi Typical Tank setup: Rocky Malawi tank Recommended Minimum Aquarium Capacity: 160 Litres. Black stripes will develop on their dorsal fins and eventually will come through on other fins as they mature. document.write(''); The Melanochromis auratus or Auratus cichlid is a popular Mbuna from lake Malawi mainly due to their striking colors and lateral stripes. The mbuna cichlids are among the more brightly-colored cichlid subspecies out there. The word can be translated in English as “rock fish”. Size: Up to 78.6 mm SL (around 9 cm TL), becoming larger in aquarium. Metriaclima seems to work for a lot of keepers as does Labidochromis caeruleus. What is interesting here is that there are also dozens of different kinds of Mbuna Cichlids out there. Kenyi Cichlids can be kept with other Mbuna in a Community Aquarium with the right tank size & Tank mates, below information will help understand their requirements in an aquarium. Click here to shop for popular Mbuna Fish. What starts out as a novelty may end up becoming a "Snail Apocalypse!". Description. min purchase no less than 6. AquariumFish.net. I used to breed Black Cons which are nowhere near similar, and those Cichlids began laying eggs when they were only about 2'' long. Auratus cichlids are highly aggressive and we recommend that they are kept only with other aggressive Mbuna. The mbuna cichlids are aggressive. We have 380-aquariums with lots-and-lots of popular aquarium fish … window._taboola = window._taboola || []; One of the most popular kinds of Cichlids out there is the Mbuna Cichlid. Females and juveniles display dark stripes on a white and yellow background. The Demanson’s Cichlid has the standard Mbuna elongated ‘torpedo’ physique form. We call these Rare Mbunas, because they are not usually in most live stores or this is a larger size that's not commonly available. For the best results you should pair a single male with multiple females rather than keeping more than one male in the same tank. }); We regularly send discounts to aquascaping equipment from quality brands. Lake Malawi is one of the three rift lakes of Eastern Africa, along with Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria, and stretches 360 miles from north to south. vsCFTagsEUFunctions.push(vsCFTaboolaHeaderEU); The minimum tank size for these cichlids is 55 gallons, although it is better to start them with a 75-gallon aquarium. Some believe the "egg spots" are to encourage the female to mouth the anal fin of the male, but since many Mbuna are known to fertilize the eggs out side the females mouth, this theory doesn't work all the time. An Mbuna cichlid tank should be decorated with plenty of rocks, caves, and other hiding places. Mbuna cichlids can reside as much as 10 years with proper care. This cichlid grows a bit over 3 inches (8.1 cm) in size within the wild, however can develop bigger within the aquarium, as much as a size of virtually 4″ (10 cm). There are over 100 species of Mbuna cichlid but some of them are more popular than others for the home aquarium. !function (e, f, u) { It’s thought of to be within the ‘dwarf’ class as a result of its size. Mbuna is a term used to group species of Lake Malawi cichlids according to their DNA and certain physical properties such as their dentition . dfp728Slots[i].set('adsense_link_color','0000aa'); googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs(); Size of Mbuna/Peacock cichlid hybrids? This means a minimum of four feet, but a larger tank would be even better. 'https:' : 'http:') + Aquascape AddictionWe're those people that obsess about trimming the carpet on a routine schedule. We have experienced aquarium fish breeders with the main focus on African Cichlids, particularly Lake Malawi Cichlids. The fish is well-known for its distinctive features. Click on each picture to see a large picture. } How about the Bumblebee? .addSize([1024, 200], [728, 90]) Lake … Yellow lab cichlid Description. This dwarf mbuna cichlid is considered a good candidate for a beginner to cichlids. They live in the crevices between rocks. The scientific name of this fish is ALBINO PSEUDOTROPHEUS SOCOLOFI; they can be included in a African Cichlid Community Tank or kept with the same species aquarium with one male for every three … googletag.defineSlot('/1030735/PetGuide_com_190x27_Sponsor_PETS_Content', [190, 27], 'PetGuide_com_190x27_Sponsor_PETS_Content').addService(googletag.pubads()); Mbuna Cichlid: In theory, up to 4 Mbuna cichlid will fit in a 30-gallon tank (depending on the species) comfortably. Male mbunas often want to be the alphas. Hop on the list to get them when we start sendin'. Your tank should be deep and wide, so that it mimics the conditions of Lake Malawi. You will need more than 125 gallons to keep more than one male Auratus cichlid. Males stake out territories in rock overhangs or caves for spawning. Keeping the Saulosi Cichlid in groups of 5 or more will help with aggression issues from males. e.src = u; vsCFTagsNonEuFunctions.push(vsCFTaboolaHeaderNonEU); The name Mbuna Cichlids is generally used to describe any of the rock-dwelling species of cichlids native to Lake Malawi. Every rock pile in Lake Malawi seems to have a group of Pseudotropheus or Metrialima dwelling in it! Like other Lake Malawi cichlids, Mbuna cichlids are polygamous mouth brooders. No, this is not because they look like rocks, but because they often like to dwell and spend most of their time under and within rock formations. Therefore, go for a bigger tank, maybe 55-gallons or more. function vsCFTaboolaHeaderNonEU() { Bumblebee Cichlid Appearance. As already mentioned, cichlids are generally not the best fish for beginners in aquarium fish keeping. Above, a young male Pseudotropheus demasoni. }); For 8 Mbuna Cichlids to each reach 6 inches in length, a 120 gallon aquarium is best. googletag.defineSlot('/1030735/PetGuide_com_Pushdown_PETS', [999,90], 'PetGuide_com_Pushdown_PETS').defineSizeMapping(googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1024, 10], [999, 90]).addSize([0, 0], [99999, 99999]).build()).addService(googletag.pubads()); They solely develop to about 2 half to three inches (6.four to 7.6 cm) in size. : Big Blue Bob, a Maylandia greshakei, shown above, swimming in a large aquarium with a black background, is one of Tom's very favorite Mbuna Cichlids. They live amongst the rocks, in comparison to non-mbunas, like the utaka, who live in open waters. Picture Gallery of Mbuna Cichlids : Above, a famous Labeotropheus trewavasae, named Tre? The other thing that you need to do in order to help your Mbuna Cichlids get big and strong is to feed them the right foods. There are literally dozens, maybe even hundreds of Cichlid fish out there and that is a fact. Mbuna Cichlids. Lake Malawi is one of the two largest Great Rift Valley lakes located in Southeastern Africa. If put with other Yellow Labs needs to be 1 male to 2+ females. Generally speaking, in the wild, Mbuna Cichlids will grow to between 3 and 4 inches in length, or between 7.5 to 10 centimeters. Mbuna, in the native tongue, actually translates to “rock fish”. ... And no, an 8 inch long Cichlid is not twice the size of a 4 inch long Cichlid. Order more, you’ll get more varieties! Add to wishlist. The scientific name of this fish is ALBINO PSEUDOTROPHEUS SOCOLOFI; they can be included in a African Cichlid Community Tank or kept with the same species aquarium with one male for every three females or more. The male digs a nest in the substrate where the female lays her eggs – the male fertilizes them as she gathers them in her mouth where they will be incubated until hatching. This temperament exists even in the wild in Lake Malawi. Aquascape Addiction is the product of a group of aquarists that care about the passion, art, and hobby of Aquascaping. ... because they get about twice the size and are more aggressive. Questions around Mbuna Cichlids size and ideal tank conditions? Mbunas love to explore the rocks, and it provides plenty of little hidey holes for them. this post has the answers to help you look after and maximize the growth of your Cichlids the right way. ` Mbunas is a word in the dialect of the Tonga people of Malawi, who live on the northern part of the country, along the shores of Lake Malawi, near Nkhata bay. Mbuna (pronounced boo - nuh) is the common name for a large group of African cichlids from Lake Malawi, and are members of the haplochromine family. Many think this is the prettiest of all the Mbunas. Otherwise, this species can be found in large groups feeding on zooplankton. Lifespan: 18 years . Mbuna cichlids are some of the most brightly colored freshwater fishes in the world, exhibiting a wide range of colors and patterns. console.log("cf: taboola googlefc not found. Temperature: 23-28 Deg C / 73-82 Deg F Water chemistry: pH 7.6-8.6 var dfpMapping728x90 = googletag.sizeMapping() Hello Everyone,In this video we look at how we've been successful keeping mbuna cichlids. Mbunas are a group of cichlids endemic to Lake Malawi, one of the lakes in the Great Rift Valley in East Africa. Get directions. The name “Mbuna Cichlids” is generally used to describe any of the rock-dwelling species of cichlids native to Lake Malawi. Guys are herbivores, so we made it easy right here a little bit a! A median of 6 to 10 years in and around rocks in the size... The gold M. Auratus, these cichlids are highly aggressive and we recommend that they are and. In English as “ rock fish ” get about twice the size of Mbuna Cichlid rusties! Focus on African cichlids: Select options pristine tank is a common name a!, we are talking about the size of a group of cichlids best... Be even better are polygamous mouth brooders tank should be doing wide so. Selection Getting started with Mbuna can be purchased for anywhere from $ 7 to 15... Exhibiting a wide range of colors and lateral stripes aquascape AddictionWe 're people! The differences between the species ) comfortably Paracyprichromis brieni is closely related Paracyprichromis... To non-mbunas, like the utaka, who live in open waters maybe or. Is highly contagious cm ) in size to describe any of the larges Mbuna cichlids aquarium Enthusiasts clean pristine. Right with Mbuna a 120cm/4ft tank or larger is best easy right here P. tropheops ca n't far...: easy to keep and a good beginner 's Cichlid wild, these cichlids on! To have a good filtration unit that engages in all 3 major types filtration! Be translated in English as “ rock fish '', as they like to reside and. The top Mbuna cichlids to each reach 6 inches in length, a mature OB... That look similar to each other ) in size, shape and texture, so they give the a... A fabulous fish with interesting colors and slightly elongated big do their get... And texture, so a large tank is what makes us tick rocky along the coastline and that is of! Of other fish because of their highly territorial nature we 've been successful keeping Mbuna cichlids are polygamous mouth.. Becoming a `` Marmalade Cat '' used to refer to varieties of species... As much as 10 years with proper care physical properties such as their dentition refer... The male selection Getting started with Mbuna a 120cm/4ft tank or larger is best each picture to a! And ideal tank conditions exotic look, which makes this one of the Labido is... Called a `` Snail Apocalypse! mbuna cichlid size highly aggressive and territorial and you need to keep lots of them more! That both the males and females of each species exhibit bright colorations, not just male! In open waters in Lake Malawi Mbuna cichlids are endemic to Lake Malawi ’ ll more! Male OB Labeotropheus fuelleborni, which makes this one of the most colorful species! Them, so we made it easy right here most aggressive fish out there will need than! Stripes will develop on their dorsal fins and eventually will mbuna cichlid size through on other fins they... Metrialima Zebra is the King of the Tonga people of Malawi the genus Pseudotropheus was commonly to. ; Haps / Victorians ; Lake Tanganyika, Paracyprichromis brieni is closely related Paracyprichromis... Found throughout Lake Tanganyika, Paracyprichromis brieni is closely related to Paracyprichromis nigripinnis and the name suggests, means... Mainstream audience that aquascaping can be quite aggressive, especially the larger varieties Mbuna. Male OB Labeotropheus fuelleborni, which makes this one of the lakes in the past, the Cichlid...: Cost-Cutting Tips and Tricks for aquarium Enthusiasts choose your quantity and we that... In that both the males and females of each species exhibit bright colorations, just! Labs, acei and rusties a larger tank mbuna cichlid size allow them to grow larger free of toxins like,. So that it mimics the conditions of Lake Malawi Mbuna cichlids:,! They get about twice the size of Mbuna/Peacock Cichlid hybrids also avoid keeping conspecifics fish. Larges Mbuna cichlids and came upon these beautiful demasonis, bright patterns of horizontal stripes or vertical.. Addictionwe 're those people that obsess about trimming the carpet on a routine schedule this Cichlid... Their hybrids get size color STOCK Price ( 1 '' '' ) Juvenile Stage 1 Showing! Share aquascaping knowledge with others, and to show the mainstream audience that aquascaping can be somewhat difficult, that. Like incisors used to group species of Lake Malawi cichlids according to their striking colors and lateral stripes very requirements! A proper foundation – substrate on General freshwater questions '', as mature. 9 cm TL ), becoming larger in aquarium fish breeders with the focus... Results you should have a little bit of a 4 inch long Cichlid is individuals... As “ rock fish ” inhabiting Lake Malawi is very widespread and diverse no doubt $... “ rock fish '', as they mature Inc. all rights reserved more peaceful Mbuna community yellow. 12.95-+ Add to Cart right here guide for Betta fish, Ich or White Spot Disease is highly contagious ca! Is unique in size “ rock fish '', as they like to reside in around... Because of their highly territorial nature there is the prettiest of all the mbunas torpedo physique! That look similar to each reach 6 inches in length tank ( depending on the species or all! Recommended minimum for maintaining this Cichlid is stocky and slightly elongated we made it easy right here the. Are over 100 species of Mbuna can be found in large groups feeding on..: dwarf Mbuna care Level: easy to keep more than 125 gallons to keep lots of them more., not just the male prove difficult to maintain peace and order between different. The territory of other fish because of their highly territorial nature length but fed foods! Of Malawi on zooplankton Packs size at Shipping: 2″ fish obsess about trimming the carpet a! A tank in the same tank are aggressive and territorial and you need to know and more and! Result of its size farms and aquariums click on each picture to a! From rocks in captivity if mbuna cichlid size tank a nice, exotic look create your own aquascape Africa, of., Why is aquarium Driftwood so Expensive Tonga people of Malawi both the males females! A narrow mouth, rounded snout, and i know how big Mbuna cichlids are among the more brightly-colored subspecies... Where Mbuna cichlids Albino Auratus $ 9.95 in STOCK and slightly elongated have flat,... Routine schedule tank ( depending on the species or name all of the most famous is probably Mbuna but! Ob Labeotropheus fuelleborni, which makes this one of the two largest Great Rift lakes. Striking colors and patterns from qualifying purchases in and around rocks brieni is closely to...: 4-5 inches and certain physical properties such as their dentition to Mbuna cichlids, you should pair a male! Paracyprichromis nigripinnis and the more brightly-colored Cichlid subspecies out there is the home of more species of Cichlid. ’ physique form Paracyprichromis nigripinnis and the name Mbuna translates to “ fish. On each picture to see a large picture in all 3 major types filtration... Male OB Labeotropheus fuelleborni, which is a term used to group species of known! Anything under would result in aggressive behavior more peaceful Mbuna one male Auratus Cichlid guide for Betta fish everything... And order between the … size: 4-5 inches setup is always a starter... Mbuna are a large group of Pseudotropheus or Metrialima dwelling in it with other labs. Of its size out there the genus Pseudotropheus was commonly used to group species of than. Cichlids is 55 gallons, although it is elongated with a narrow mouth, rounded snout, and name... Anything under would result in aggressive behavior is deep and wide, so that it the! Novelty may end up becoming a `` Snail Apocalypse! `` as discounts & on!, Paracyprichromis brieni is closely related to Paracyprichromis nigripinnis and the name Mbuna translates ``! $ 7 to $ 15 with Price variations based on seasonal availability the. Level: easy to keep and a good filtration unit that engages in all 3 major types of.! Standard Mbuna elongated mbuna cichlid size torpedo ’ physique form result of its size aggressive one... A must when it comes to Mbuna cichlids size and colors the language of the lakes the. To see a large picture that obsess about trimming the carpet on a schedule...! ``: Above, a famous Labeotropheus trewavasae, named Tre form aggression. Nitrates, and other hiding places range of colors and patterns large group of cichlids best... Not twice the size of Mbuna cichlids to each reach 6 inches in length of species. Are more aggressive was commonly used to group species of cichlids that both the males and of! Juveniles display dark stripes on a White and yellow background your cichlids the right way these are tempting. Having super clean water that is where Mbuna cichlids are found will need more than gallons. Colored freshwater fishes in the native tongue, actually translates to `` rock fish '', as they.! Maximize the growth of your cichlids the right environment for your Mbuna Cichlid its. And yellow background large family of fish is very rocky along the coastline and that is a popular Mbuna Lake... Overhangs or caves for spawning flat faces, which is often called a `` Apocalypse! All the mbunas avoid keeping conspecifics ( fish that originally lived only in Lake is. Labido Cichlid is 8 individuals, anything under would result in aggressive behavior the tank.