Maingano Cichlid - 5cm (Melanochromis cyaneorhabdos) (Live Fish)

The Maingano Cichlid is a striking freshwater fish with a deep blue to nearly black body marked by vivid horizontal blue stripes. Its streamlined, laterally compressed body and rounded fins give it a bold, elegant appearance.

Common names: Maingano Cichlid, Maingano Mbuna, Blue Johanni
Scientific name: Pseudotropheus cyaneorhabdos (also widely listed as Melanochromis cyaneorhabdos)
Approximate size: 8–10 cm
Temperament: Aggressive and highly territorial, especially toward males and similarly patterned cichlids
Recommended tank size: 200 L+
Diet: Primarily herbivorous/omnivorous; spirulina-based flakes and pellets, algae-based foods, and small amounts of meaty foods
Origin: Likoma Island, Lake Malawi, East Africa
Basic care information: A striking Lake Malawi Mbuna known for its dark blue to black body with bright electric-blue horizontal stripes. Provide plenty of rockwork, caves, crevices, and broken lines of sight to establish territories. Maintain stable temperatures around 24–28°C and hard, alkaline water with a pH around 7.6–8.8. Keep with compatible Lake Malawi Mbuna rather than peaceful community fish. A group with one male and several females is generally preferable to keeping a single pair. Females are maternal mouthbrooders and carry eggs and fry in their mouths.