Maingano Cichlid Care Guide
Pseudotropheus cyaneorhabdos
Stocking Calculator
Bioload Score
4000
- Max Size
- 10 cm / 4"
- Temperature
- 24–28°C (75–82°F)
- pH Range
- 7.6 – 8.6
- Min Tank Size
- 200L (53 gal)
- Min Group Size
- 4 fish
- Tank Level
- Bottom-Mid
- Origin
- Africa
- Temperament
- Semi-Aggressive
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Breeding Difficulty
- Moderate
Diet
Primarily herbivorous, grazing algae and aufwuchs while also accepting spirulina-based foods and occasional protein-rich treats.
Community Compatibility
Suitable tankmates include similarly sized Lake Malawi mbuna such as Yellow Labs, Rusty Cichlids, Acei Cichlids and other robust, compatible mbuna.
Good to Know
The Maingano Cichlid is named after Maingano Island in Lake Malawi, where this striking blue-and-black mbuna occurs naturally.
Gender Differences
Males are generally larger and more intensely coloured, with more noticeable egg spots on the anal fin, while females are often slightly less vivid.
About the Maingano Cichlid
The Maingano Cichlid is a compact but vividly marked mbuna, displaying deep blue to blue-black colouring crossed by several electric-blue horizontal stripes. Its strong contrast and streamlined body make it one of the most recognisable small cichlids from Lake Malawi.Despite its modest size, this species has a confident and territorial personality. Individuals defend crevices and feeding areas among the rocks, with males usually showing the most intense displays of colour and aggression toward rivals.In nature, Maingano Cichlids live along rocky shorelines in the northern part of Lake Malawi, including the area around Maingano Island. They forage across rock surfaces, scraping algae and the tiny organisms living within the aufwuchs.The species was formerly placed in the genus Pseudotropheus and is now generally known as Melanochromis cyaneorhabdos. Like many mbuna, it is a maternal mouthbrooder: after spawning, the female protects the eggs and young in her mouth until they are sufficiently developed to emerge.Its intense pattern, active behaviour and relatively small adult size have made the Maingano Cichlid a popular species in African cichlid aquariums, although its territorial nature reflects the competitive environment of its natural rocky habitat.
Stock Maingano Cichlid in Your Tank
Use our free stocking calculator to see if Maingano Cichlid fits your aquarium