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Pseudotropheus galanos

Pseudotropheus galanos

Also known as galanos mbuna, pseudotropheus sp. galanos

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Pseudotropheus galanos is a small rock-dwelling mbuna from Lake Malawi, described by Stauffer and Kellogg in 2002 and reaching about 9 cm in standard length. Males are generally bluish with darker vertical bars, and the species appeals mainly to Malawi cichlid enthusiasts who want an uncommon mbuna for a rocky, hard-water set-up.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

8.8 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

7.6 to 8.6

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

One male with 3 or more females, in a crowded mbuna community

Diet

Herbivore: algae-based flakes and pellets, spirulina, blanched vegetables, with only small amounts of meaty food

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

6 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Lake Malawi (endemic), southern part of the lake

Breeding

It is a maternal mouthbrooder: the female holds the eggs and fry in her mouth for around three weeks after spawning on or near rocks. Breeding is fairly easy in captivity when a male has several females and plenty of rockwork.

Good to know

Males are territorial and can be hard on rivals and similar-looking mbuna, so avoid keeping it with close relatives, which may cause hybrids. It is rarely seen in the trade and is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN.