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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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