| A
really gorgeous fish which doesn't show its real characteristics
even in the top photo (a close up which was shot months ago was even
worse - see note on previous page). Quite shy for an mbuna it needs
many hiding places if kept with aggressive species. Ideally, it
shouldn't be kept with mbuna whose male or female coloration
resemble his (like Pseudotropheus lombardoi, zebra etc.). If such
aggressive species are present the C.mbamba will lose its coloration
and become a gray-blue fish without stripes. It will only show its
magnificent coloration during spawning and then turn back to the
dull "camouflage" coloration.
The normal
coloration of the male is a light blue body with dark blue vertical
stripes, a bright yellow dorsal fin and an anal fin with very bright
egg spots. The female usually has a gray - beige coloration.
The fish will grow to 11 cm (male) the female being somewhat
smaller. It is a herbivore and its dietary needs should be taken
into account otherwise Malawi bloat may kill it. It will spawn often
but do not expect large fry (less than 20). The fish closely
resembles Cynotilapia afra. Minimum tank size : 100 liters for a
pair, 200 liters or more for a harem (1 male - 3 females).
See next
page for more photos (including a carrying female) |
