Deep, sediment-rich rocky environment; lives at depths
around 10 m.
Geographic distribution:
Lake Malawi; recorded from Puulu Island, Hongi Island,
Ngkuyo Island, Lundo Island, and Undu Point.
Typical adult size:
Up to 10 cm (males) / up to 8 cm (females).
Recommended aquarium size:
250 L
Aquarium setup:
Aquarium with rockwork providing several hiding places.
One male should be kept with three or more females.
Suitable tankmates are similarly sized mbuna species.
Diet:
Omnivorous; feeds from aufwuchs, consuming algae and
other small organisms living within the biocover.
Breeding:
Maternal mouthbrooder. From aquarium observations, fry
clutches consist of approximately 7 to 18 individuals,
released about three weeks after spawning.
Aggression:
Can be aggressive within the species; generally tolerant
toward other species.
Special notes:
Males show variable blue background coloration with yellow
to orange dorsal fin and throat, most intense in specimens
from Hongi Island. Females are brownish with faint yellow
in the unpaired fins.
Photo gallery