All fish / Cichlidae

Black-White Johannii

Pseudotropheus perileucos

Also known as melanochromis perileucos, black white johannii, black-white johanni, melanochromis sp. geo, pseudotropheus perileucos mbuna

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A rock-dwelling mbuna cichlid from around Likoma Island in Lake Malawi, once placed in Melanochromis. Males are dark with pale or bluish-white horizontal stripes, while females are lighter, and the contrast makes it an eye-catching choice for a Malawi rockwork tank.

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

300 litres

Keep as

One male with several females in a crowded mbuna community

Diet

Omnivore: mainly algae and plant-based flakes or pellets, with occasional small crustaceans

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

6 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Lake Malawi (Likoma Island area, Malawi), endemic

Breeding

A maternal mouthbrooder: the female carries the eggs and fry in her mouth for about three weeks. It breeds readily in a well-kept mbuna aquarium if the male is given several females.

Good to know

Males are territorial and can be very hostile to similar-looking mbuna, so stock several females per male, provide plenty of rockwork and avoid mixing with close relatives to prevent hybrids. Rarely seen in the trade, and often sold under its old Melanochromis name.