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Basics

Scientific Name: Melanochromis cyaneorhabdos

Family: Cichlidae

Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa

Quick Facts

• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Lifespan:  5+ years
• Water Conditions: 73.0-82.0° F, pH 7.7-8.6
• Maximum Size: 3" - 4"
• Diet: Omnivore
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

Overview

The Maingano Cichlid is a Mbuna cichlid, and has the typical short, rounded snout, a small, stout body and shorter finnage of one. They are dark blue in color with lighter blue horizontal stripes down the sides of their bodies. While males and females mostly appear identical, females will have a lighter blue belly. They look quite similar to male Electric Blue Johanni's, and the two are frequently confused with each other. 

They should be kept in an aquarium with plenty of hiding places made out of rocks since in the wild they are a rock-dwelling species. Males can be kept with a group of females or they can be kept with other Lake Malawi cichlids of the same temperament as themselves. Males should not be housed with other males. They may also fight with other members of their genus. 

While they will accept meaty foods, for proper health they should be fed a primarily vegetable matter diet such as high quality flake foods and seaweed, as well as algae. 

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