Number one is space, they love to have space to hide, court and fight, thus a large aquarium is required. There’s also the option of buying Malawi cichlid salt to add to the tank, so as to achieve the proper levels as well. People with very hard water will find that their mbuna cichlids will do very well in their tanks. Mbuna is a term used to group species of Lake Malawi cichlids according to their DNA and certain physical properties such as their dentition . The most common mbuna cichlids are the red zebra cichlid, the blue zebra, the bumble or hornet cichlid, the golden cichlid, the electric yellow or yellow lab cichlid, and the blue johannii. This is also a reason to have a number of rocks built up for hiding spaces, not only for the females but for the males to establish a clear territory. This means that you’ll need lots of biological and mechanical filtration. Kribensis Cichlid. Food should be mostly Vegetarian based (algae-spirulina) with alternation (1-2 days per week) of food that is a bit richer in animal protein once every few days. They come from a large lake, with clean water that’s rich in oxygen and free of pollutants. This way you will limit aggression and you will be able to see how they behave in nature. Aquarium must be long and wide, height is non-important for mbunas as they prefer actual square footage over levels. Lake Tanganyika Cichlids Lake Tanganyika, the second deepest lake in the world, is inhabited with almost 250 different species of cichlids and over 150 species … The best way to avoid this issue is to ensure your mbuna cichlids consume the right foods. Male cichlids are very aggressive and will defend their territory from any and all perceived threats, especially other males. Lake Malawi is an African Great Lake located in Tanzania, and is the ninth largest lake in the world. A minimum 75 gallons (300 liters) is what I would recommend as a bare minimum. Keeping cichlids from the same region together is also recommended. This is a popular group of very active and aggressive personalities, made up of 12 genera and many species.The Mbuna group are attractive rock dwelling cichlids. Your mbuna tank requirements will, luckily, be fairly straightforward. By Lee Nachtigal (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 licence). Don’t be surprised if you never find another fish breed to add. Electric blue cichlid. The body coloration is variable. They live amongst the rocks, in comparison to non-mbunas, like the utaka, who live in op… Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Golden Cichlid (Melanochromis auratus) 4. Here we profile some of the world’s most popular freshwater fish species, from the Neon Tetra to the Pearl Gourami. A species tank or a biotope setup housing only Mbuna Cichlids creates an impressive display. Bumblebee Cichlid (Pseudotropheus crabro) 5. The tank lighting should be minimal. We earn commission for purchases made through our links. Their name means “rockfish” in the language of the Tonga people of Malawi. The upperparts may be rusty brown … The eyes can even pop a bit. This means a minimum of four feet, but a larger tank would be even better. Lake Malawi is one of the three rift lakes of Eastern Africa, along with Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria, and stretches 360 miles from north to south. You may put a fish in, only to discover your cichlids hate and bully them. In South American rainforests there is a group of small fish, usually called dwarf cichlids. For the best … Plenty of rocks. Foe example a single neon for a 75 gallon is enough since they prefer dimmer lights compared to high intensity ones. The name Mbuna translates to "Rock Fish", as they like to reside in and around rocks. Beware of what’s called the “Malawi bloat.” This is when your cichlid’s stomach and neck bloat up and become very firm. Cobalt Blue Zebra, (Maylandia callainos) Mbuna Malawi African Cichlid. PD: This species has a "typical" mbuna shape, though its mouth is smaller and head has a smooth slope. When you get mbuna cichlids, you’re making a decent-sized commitment, as the recommended school size is at least twenty fish, although thirty or forty is even better. Keep in mind that mbuna cichlids, while easy once you get the hang of them, are still fish that can take some getting used to and aren’t recommended for the beginner aquarist. Most mbunas should be kept in extended families of 2-3 males (one dominant and 2 subdominant males) paired with 7-10 females. Unfortunately, this is almost always fatal. Click on each picture to see a bigger picture. There should be at least two females to every male, and you should introduce them all into the tank at the same time, so as to avoid any ganging up on new members. These are generally somewhat larger and more peaceful than the Zebra (mbuna) cichlids. Please note: this does not affect the price you pay. Many species are considerably less aggressive than their Lake Malawian cousins, and are likely to be victims of more aggressive Malawi mbuna … What I like about Mbuna is usually the males and females have color at maturity, unlike most Haps and Peacocks. This setup will be large, well-filtered and have many protected niches for males to claim and defend. Aquarium hobbyists crave Mbunas mostly due to the beautiful coloring that they present; while most of them have males that are colorful, there are over 100 species that have females also colored. Initially, the mbuna cichlids belonged to the Pseudotropheus genus, but this is no longer the case as they have been … The Mbuna group can be broken down into several genus levels: These genus contain countless species and new one are discovered by expeditions and scientists. Another requirement to their upkeep stems from the mbuna cichlid’s origins. Mbuna cichlids are definitely group fish, and they get bigger in captivity than they do in the wild. For other, more unique kinds, you’ll need to seek out a specialized breeder. All Mbuna species… The word can be translated in English as “rock fish”. Albino Pseudotropheus socolofi, Mbuna Malawi African Cichlid. Mbuna cichlids are a must-have for any freshwater aquarium. Mbuna Cichlid Pictures: the pictures to the left show some of the varieties of this species. Sort by Featured … See more ideas about mbuna cichlids, cichlids, african cichlids. Cichlids for Sale Malawi Cichlids Haplochromis Electric Blue Blue Dolphin Venustus Eye-Biter Malawi Peacock Malawi Mbuna Acei Auratus Cichlid EB Johanni Cobalt Blue Greshakei Ndumbi Clown Afra … Yellow Lab Cichlid (Labidochromis caeruleus) 2. Because cichlids are mostly aggressive, they are generally not community fish and only do best in species tanks. Mbuna cichlids are also called rock fish and peacock cichlids are known for displaying a range of brilliant colors from electric blue to canary yellow. They require a certain type … … They like warm water ranging from 76 and 82 degrees F (22-26 C) The pH between 7.8 and 8.6. Even if you feel there are enough rocks there, you can always add more, the fish will be grateful. The zebra cichlid is one of the most popular among mbuna cichlids. Mbunas are a large group of Cichlids known best for their lively (aggressive) demeanor active personality. Food should be … Here you’ll find a definitive guide to the care of mbuna cichlids in your home aquarium, so you can dive right into enjoying your new pet! They come in different shapes and sizes; most of them are adapted to grazing algae from the rocky habitat and are all vegetarian with very few exceptions that are omnivore and 1 single genus piscivore. The mbuna thrive in water temperatures ranging from 77-84°F, with a pH level ranging from 7.5-8.4, and a ammonium nitrite and ammonia content as close to 0ppm (parts per million) as you can manage. Fifty-three gallons minimum is your best bet. But in order to see that behavior and understand it you will need to do some reading about the different genus and species so you will understand how to keep them and how to successfully breed them. Try to read before buying a species, you will see that there are some of them that grow only to 6 cm and some gro upwards to 15 cm. All about the Cichlidae family fishes. While not as cheap as goldfish, you can still get your money’s worth, as they range anywhere from $3.99 each to $23.99. This channel is based on my love & hobby for exotic pets and nature. As already mentioned, cichlids … The Amazon River is home to lots of South American cichlids, but some species can be found in slow moving streams across the continent, and even up into Central America. You may need to try a few different kinds, rehoming the ones that don’t work out. Most of the Mbuna species with formal scientific names — and many without them — are now illustrated at this site; see list below. From $ 10.99. Other Malawi Cichlids - These include Utaka Cichlids which tend to live in open waters. It is the 9th largest lake in the world and is located between Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania. It would be a good idea to also include lime-based or calcareous décor to keep the mineral levels of your tank high. Common names are very … Fine sand as gravel. This means you’ll need a larger tank to accommodate the number and size of your mbuna cichlids. Use only fine sand for them, since they are always digging around, a fine sand will make them more prone to behave like in nature. Kribensis are one of the most colorful cichlid subspecies. Notable mbuna cichlids Peacock cichlids ( Aulonocara species) Utaka cichlids Other genera such as Rhamphochromis You have seen them most likely in videos where there are hundreds of them bunched in one place, but contrary to this, they are very territorial and very few species tend to school together; but since the real-estate of the rock areas are in high demand they will often be found in clusters. Water changes should be done each week 50% to keep water quality. Keeping/Maintenance requirements. Lake Malawi Cichlids include the Mbuna and Peacock Cichlids. Some that can be kept with several different species and some that are prone to aggression towards others. Some of the most popular cichlid species from Lake Malawi include Mbuna cichlids and peacock cichlids. Many common and rare aquarium species of African cichlid… What fish go well with cichlids? A more complete Checklist of the Mbuna Species Flock (with every Mbuna species … However, mbuna is a common name for a whole lot of varieties, and the name itself simply means “rockfish”. For … The most common mbuna cichlids are the red zebra cichlid, the blue zebra, the bumble or hornet cichlid, the golden cichlid, the electric yellow or yellow lab cichlid, and the blue johannii. The mbuna (pronounced um-boo-nah) cichlids, also known as Mbuna African Cichlids, come from Lake Malawi. Blue Zebra Cichlid (Maylandia callainos) 6. Mbuna Cichlids are some of the cheaper fish available on the market. These are wonderful fishes with most interesting behavior. Do you have any tips on mbuna cichlid care? I love mbunas and they are the kind of fish that will make you read more about them and make you want to research them so you can understand all the behavior that they depict in aquariums. Yellow and orange are common mbuna colours but importantly, and rarely for any wild-type tropical fish is blue, and this is where the mbuna excel, with literally hundreds of bright blue … Click here to see many more color varieties of Trewavasae. The … There are many types of cichlids, and therefore many types of food, so they need a type designed specifically for them – mainly, an algae-based food aimed at herbivores. Oct 20, 2016 - Explore Bridget's board "Mbuna Cichlids" on Pinterest. This is a complete Lake Malawi Cichlid care guide, with all related information like tank requirements, feeding, health issues, treatment and choosing the right Mbuna / Peacock Cichlid. Red Zebra Cichlid (Maylandia estherae) 3. Thanks for supporting our site. There are eight fish that are best suited as tankmates – but this isn’t true all the time, however. They’re also highly territorial. This site is part of the Amazon affiliate program. The water hardness should be hard. It all depends on where you buy your fish and how vibrant you want their coloring to be. Mbuna, a type of African cichlid famous for their striking colors and behavior, is endemic to Lake Malawi. Remember to scroll down on each picture page to see the caption and any additional figures. Browse our latest freshwater fish profiles below. If you run a freshwater aquarium, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for bringing it to life! Tanganyikan cichlids range from mildly aggressive to downright belligerent, and generally will not do well in a peaceful community tank (with a few notable exceptions). Mbunas is a word in the dialect of the Tonga people of Malawi, who live on the northern part of the country, along the shores of Lake Malawi, near Nkhata bay. You’re in luck! By Maha Dinesh (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 licence). Lake Malawi sits on atop an area with very active tectonic plates, meaning the lake is extremely rich in minerals, resulting in water with a high pH, GH (general hardness), and KH (carbonate hardness). They’re basically freshwater reef fish! You should also ensure the water is nice and oxygenated. Some of the top Mbuna cichlids in the aquarium hobby include the following: 1. Lake Malawi is the home of more species of fish than any other lake in the world, including over 1000 species of cichlids. Maximum of 1 mm diameter for sand. They like warm water ranging from 76 and 82 degrees F (22-26 C). You can achieve this by using an airstone or a Venturi. Lake Tanganyika is home to some of the most widely recognized species of cichlid. The fish that can be tried are the red-tail shark, giant danios, pleco, scavenger catfish, botia loaches, red rainbow fish, African red eyed tetra, and the leopard bushfish. However, once you know what you’re doing, everyone will love your tank of vibrant and beautiful mbuna cichlids. Often they are sold with only a common name (e.g., Red Top Zebra, Electric Blue) or even worse, in an unlabeled tank they mysteriously referred to as "Misc African cichlids". There are over 100 species of Mbuna cichlid but some of them are more popular than others for the home aquarium. Get notifications on latest post as they are posted. Here’s a video showing an example of a mbuna cichlid aquarium and more details on these fish. Auratus Cichlid (Melanochromis auratus) 7. Placidochromis Phenochilus Mdoka “White Lips”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMajNKJfMDo, Placidochromis Phenochilus Mdoka "White Lips". They’ll be less likely to leave their little hidey hole and fight, for fear of losing it to any encroaching males. For instance, mbuna and peacock cichlids … (Sciaenochromis fryeri) Though not actually that closely related to the electric … If you’re not interested in breeding your fish, it’s wise to just have all females. Also you will need to be careful how many to buy and what species play well with other species. The most famous is probably mbuna cichlid, and for a reason. Latest addition: A new species of Maylandia, M. koningsi Below is an alphabetical checklist of all scientifically described and named species in the Mbuna species flock of Malawi haplochromine cichlids… The Zebra Cichlids, also known as the Mbuna Cichlids, are endemic to Lake Malawi. Namely, these Lake Malawi beauties are one the most colorful fish species. The body coloration is variable. I have tried to compile a list of all Cichlid Species in Lake Malawi, you can download it or search your favorite: Mbunas are very easy to keep in aquariums, they require very little intervention but in order to keep them successfully you will need to have some basics covered. Colorful, interesting, and with unique personalities, this species of fish can enhance any fish tank set-up, so long as they’re properly cared for. It’s recommended that these fish be kept in large groups, due to their territorial nature. Your tank should be deep and wide, so that it mimics the conditions of Lake Malawi. Their bodies are made … Copyright © document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); – FishCareGuide.com, By Toby Hudson (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 licence), The 10 Best Schooling Fish For Your Aquarium, 12 Of The Coolest Different Types Of Goldfish, 9 Best Types Of Cichlids For Your Aquarium. Every species explained and detailed. 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Blue Zebra, ( Maylandia callainos ) mbuna Malawi African cichlid in the world be careful how many buy. Warm water ranging from 76 and 82 degrees F ( 22-26 C ) to scroll down on each page. For bringing it to any encroaching males number one is space, they love to have to! Mineral levels of your mbuna cichlids I comment discover your cichlids hate and bully.! Zebra ( mbuna ) cichlids do in the aquarium hobby include the following 1! 7.8 and 8.6 about the Cichlidae family fishes suited as tankmates – but this isn ’ t true the. Will find that their mbuna cichlids are a large group of cichlids known best for their lively aggressive! Unique kinds, you ’ ll need lots of biological and mechanical filtration Malawi beauties are of! Enough since they prefer actual square footage over levels namely, these Lake Malawi beauties are one the!, especially other males encroaching males each picture to see a bigger picture v=RMajNKJfMDo, placidochromis Phenochilus Mdoka White...