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An
utaka (open water) species. A relatively peaceful species requires a
lot of swimming place and should better be kept in a tank longer
than 150 cm. May school with other utakas if present in the tank.
Large Haplochromis species are not the best companion for this
species because they are more aggressive. Mbuna should be avoided
for the same reason, unless a very long tank is available (more than
200 cm) and both habitats are created. This species may become
aggressive if other fishes of the same color combination are present
in the same tank. In nature it feeds on zooplankton but it will
accept almost anything in captivity. The female closely resembles
the female of many common Malawi species (Aulonocaras,
Sciaenochromis etc.) therefore special care should be taken to avoid
crossbreeding. Since this fish is very unlikely to become
hyperdominant other males may crossbreed with its female. Will grow
to 17 cm (male) and the female considerably smaller (12-13 cm).
Minimum
tank size : 150 cm / 500 liters.
Will fight with any blue -
colored fish in the tank.
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