All fish / Cichlidae

Tursiops Mbuna

Pseudotropheus tursiops

Also known as pseudotropheus tursiops, tursiops cichlid, dolphin mbuna, pseudotropheus sp. tursiops

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This Lake Malawi cichlid has a rounded, slightly blunt snout, which inspired its dolphin-themed name. Females and many males show orange or yellow-brown tones, though colour differs between populations. Keepers like it as a less commonly seen mbuna that is a bit milder than many relatives.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

12 cm

Temperature

24 to 27 °C

pH

7.6 to 8.6

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

One male with several females in a busy mbuna community

Diet

Omnivore: spirulina-based flakes and pellets, vegetable matter and some small crustaceans

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

6 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Lake Malawi (Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique)

Breeding

It is a maternal mouthbrooder; the female carries the eggs and fry in her mouth for about three weeks. Breeding comes readily in hard, alkaline water when one male is kept with several females.

Good to know

Males defend territories, so give plenty of rockwork and avoid keeping it with peaceful soft-water fish. Do not house it with similar-looking Pseudotropheus, as they may hybridise.