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This
species is the exception that justifies the rule. Though it belongs
in the same genus with M. auratus and M. chipokae (two of the most
aggressive mbuna in this hobby) it is a relatively peaceful species
(for an mbuna). I managed to keep two males of this species in my
tank (without any females) for six months without deaths. There was
a lot of chasing, one fish was clearly a submissive male but still
it survived. The males are dark blue with a blue horizontal stripe
while the females (recently acquired) are bright yellow as shown in
the photo. After the addition of the females there was some
aggression between the males which was soon resolved (the submissive
male shows no interest in spawning).
This
species is a herbivore too and will regularly eat the soft leaf
edges of most plants in your tank. Plants that resist the mbuna
include Anubia sp., Cryptocorine sp. And Vallisnerias (though some
may eat small parts). Grows to about 10 cm (a bit larger in the
aquarium). It can be kept in a small species aquarium (one male with
3-4 females in a 90 liter tank). If a second male is desired then
the absolute minimum is a 400 liter tank - at least 150 cm long.
Close-up
shot: 100 ASA film, 50 mm lens, f/11, 1/60 sec, auto-bellows,
Sunpack flash taped over the lens, shot at a distance of 5 cm.
Bottom photo by Aili Pauline McKeen. |
