Pseudotropheus socolofi

Family : Cichlidae

FishFreshwaterMbuna

A medium-sized mbuna, with a light blue body and dark vertical bars. Popular in the hobby for its coloration.

Pseudotropheus socolofi — photo 1 sur 4 — JanRehschuh · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.01 / 4

Popularity

Biotope specialist

requires biotope recreation

Availability

Specialty only

Shop availability

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Biotope

Lake Malawi

Lac africain, eau dure alcaline, cichlidés endémiques.

Description

Pseudotropheus socolofi has a robust, slightly compressed body. Males are light blue with 6-7 black vertical bars; females are paler with less distinct bars. It reaches 12 cm. It is a maternal mouthbrooder. It feeds on algae and small invertebrates. In the aquarium, it is moderately aggressive, especially towards conspecifics. It needs plenty of rocky hiding places. Dominant males defend a territory.

Habitat

Region :

Rocky and intermediate zones, often at depths of 5 to 20 meters.

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature24–28 °C

pH7.5–8.5

GH10–20 °dGH

KH8–12 °dKH

NO₃

≤ 20 mg/L

PO₄

≤ 0.5 mg/L

Care

Difficulty

4/5

Diet

Herbivore

Min. tank

250 L

Min. group

Adult size

12 cm

Lifespan

6 years

Temperament

Aggressive

Propagation

Maternal mouthbrooder

Care notes

Parameters: 24-28°C, pH 7.5-8.5, GH 10-20. A minimum 250L tank is recommended for a group of 5-6. Provide a rocky setup with crevices. Herbivorous diet: spirulina, spinach, vegetable pellets. Avoid high-protein foods. Keep a ratio of 1 male to 3-4 females to reduce aggression. Nitrates max 20 mg/L. Efficient filtration is necessary.

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