Pseudotropheus cyaneorhabdos, often called "Maingano", is a Mbuna cichlid native to the rocky areas of Lake Malawi. It has a beautiful, intense blue-black colouration and likes to live among rocks and cavities.

Behaviour & care

• Active and territorial Mbuna: this fish establishes zones among the rocks and can become aggressive towards other fish or fish that are too small.
• It is advisable to keep it in a group with an appropriate male/female ratio to limit conflicts.
• Compatibility: other mbuna of a similar size or resistant species, avoid peaceful or much smaller species.

Diet

• Omnivorous, mainly herbivorous: in the wild it grazes on algae and biofilms on rocks.
• In the aquarium: give preference to spirulina-based or plant-based foods, limit animal proteins to avoid digestive problems.

Water quality

• Temperature: around 22 - 26°C.
• pH: 7.5 - 8.5 (hard alkaline water typical of Lake Malawi).
• Hardness (GH/KH): high, stable water, well filtered and well oxygenated.

Setting & environment

• Typical Lake Malawi setting: stacked or fissured rocks, numerous cavities, sandy soil or fine gravel.
• Minimum recommended volume: around 150 litres for a small group (or more depending on the surface area).
• Avoid fragile plants and undersized fish in this tank.

Maintenance sheet

Aquabota tip

To bring out the best in this splendid blue mbuna, choose a dark or dark grey background that will highlight its blue reflections, as well as moderate lighting. Introduce it into a tank that is already well established (several months), structure the decor so that each individual can establish its territory, and make regular water changes (~20% / week) to maintain excellent water quality.