All fish / Cichlidae

Robust Mbuna

Melanochromis robustus

Also known as robust melanochromis, melanochromis robustus, robustus mbuna, robustus cichlid

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A sturdy, elongated mbuna from the rocky shores of Lake Malawi, with the typical Melanochromis horizontal stripes; females and young are yellowish with dark bands while males turn dark with pale blue stripes. It is kept by Malawi enthusiasts who enjoy its bold behaviour and contrasting sexes, though it is less common in the trade than its relatives.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

12 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

7.6 to 8.6

Smallest tank

300 litres

Keep as

One male with several females in a crowded mbuna community

Diet

Omnivore: algae-based flakes and pellets, spirulina, small crustaceans

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

6 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Lake Malawi (endemic; Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania)

Breeding

A maternal mouthbrooder: the female carries the eggs and fry in her mouth for around three weeks. Breeding is fairly easy in a well-kept mbuna tank provided the male has enough females to spread his attention.

Good to know

Males are very territorial and can kill rivals or weaker tankmates, so give plenty of rockwork and avoid keeping it with peaceful fish. It may hybridise with other Melanochromis species, so do not mix it with similar-looking relatives.