Melanochromis sp. "Blotch"

This fish has not yet been assigned a species name.

Scientific name: Melanochromis sp. "Blotch"
Size: 4-5" (10-12.5cm)
Origin: Lake Malawi, East Africa
Tank setup: A large tank with many rock caves
Compatibility: Combine with other mbuna species
Temperature: 23-28oC (73-82oF)
Water chemistry: Hard and alkaline: pH 7.6-8.6 ; GH 7 ; KH 10-12
Feeding: Carnivorous: feed live, frozen and flake foods.
Breeding: Mouthbrooder, see general article linked below.

Melanochromis Chipokae

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Scientific name: Melanochromis chipokae
Size: 4" (10cm)
Tank setup: A large tank with many rock caves
Origin: Lake Malawi, East Africa
Compatibility: Can be very aggressive, combine with larger and more aggressive mbuna species. Do not keep more than one male (or similar males of other Melanochromis). Ideally, at least three females should be kept, to prevent constant harassment of a single female.
Water chemistry: Hard and alkaline: pH 7.6-8.6 ; GH 7 plus ; KH 10-12
Temperature: 23-28oC (73-82oF)
Sexing: Colouration in juveniles is identical, and similar to M. auratus, but males become much darker in colour (see photo).
Feeding: Carnivorous: feed frozen/live foods along with flake/granular foods.
Breeding: Mouthbrooder, see general article linked below.

Melanochromis Auratus, Malawi Golden Cichlid

Scientific name: Melanochromis auratus
Common name: Malawi golden cichlid
Origin: Lake Malawi, East Africa
Size: 4" (10cm)
Tank setup: A large tank with many rock caves
Compatibility: Can be very aggressive, combine with other larger mbuna species. It is not advisable to keep more than one male (or similar males of other Melanochromis). At least three females should be kept, to prevent constant harassment of a single female.
Water chemistry: Hard and alkaline: pH 7.6-8.6 ; GH 7 plus ; KH 10-12
Temperature: 23-28oC (73-82oF)
Feeding: Feeds on algae and the organisms within it. Will accept most aquarium foods, include a vegetable component in the diet.
Breeding: Mouthbrooder, see general article linked below.
Sexing: Colouration in juveniles is identical, but older males show much darker colour.