All fish / Cichlidae

Pearl of Likoma

Pseudotropheus joanjohnsonae

Also known as pearl of likoma mbuna, joanjohnsonae, pseudotropheus joanjohnsonae, labidochromis joanjohnsonae, melanochromis joanjohnsonae, likoma pearl, pearly mbuna

This small mbuna comes from the rocky shores around Likoma Island in Lake Malawi. Males are pale blue with rows of pearly spots and often a pinkish or orange wash, while females are more orange brown with pale speckles. It is kept for its unusual colouring and lively behaviour in rock-filled Malawi tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

10 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

7.6 to 8.6

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

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

Diet

Herbivore: spirulina flakes and pellets, algae, blanched vegetables, with only small amounts of protein

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

6 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Lake Malawi (Likoma Island area, Malawi)

Breeding

It is a maternal mouthbrooder; the female carries the eggs and fry in her mouth for about three weeks. Breeding is easy in a well-kept tank with several females per male.

Good to know

Males are territorial and can harass other mbuna, so plenty of rockwork and some deliberate overstocking help spread aggression. Avoid meaty diets, which can cause Malawi bloat, and do not mix with similar-looking mbuna or hybrids may result.