Eastern coast of Lake Malawi, including Hai Reef and nearby localities.
Typical adult size:
Males up to about 8 cm, females around 7 cm total length.
Sexual dimorphism:
Females are smaller than males and retain a bluish-grey juvenile coloration.
Males are darker and more intensely patterned.
Recommended aquarium size:
250 L.
Aquarium setup:
Minimum tank length 100 cm.
Provide extensive rockwork with numerous caves and crevices for shelter and territory formation.
Diet:
Herbivorous.
Feeds mainly on algae from aufwuchs.
Breeding:
Maternal mouthbrooder.
Aggression:
Aggressive both toward conspecifics and other species.
Special notes:
Frequently confused with Chindongo sp. 'elongatus ruarwe' (Charo population) due to extreme similarity.
Trade names such as “Neon spot” or “Jewel spot” are often used for both forms.
Males from Hai Reef are distinguished by a completely black caudal fin, while
'elongatus ruarwe' (Charo) shows a partially blue caudal fin.
Photo gallery