Fishician®Diet
Herbivore – spirulina flake, algae wafers
Aquarium species profile
Maingano Cichlid
Melanochromis cyaneorhabdos · Lake Malawi (Maingano Island)
Minimum tank55 gal
Adult size3.5"
Care levelModerate
TemperamentAggressive
Temperature76–82°F
pH range7.8–8.5
Compatible tank mates
Other robust Mbuna, Synodontis
Tank mates to avoid
Passive fish, similar looking species (mistaken identity aggression)
Care notes
Bold horizontal blue-and-black striped pattern. Both sexes are similarly colored (unusual for Melanochromis). Endemic to Maingano Island. Aggressive toward conspecifics and similar looking fish.
Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.