Mbenji Cichlid
Maylandia mbenjii
Maylandia mbenjii has an elongated body and a brilliant metallic blue coloration, with yellow hues on the head and fins in dominant males. Females are duller, often grayish-blue. It reaches 10–12 cm. It is territorial but slightly less aggressive than other Mbuna. In the wild, it lives exclusively around Mbenji Island in clear, rocky waters. Its diet is herbivorous, feeding on periphyton algae. In the aquarium, it requires conditions similar to other Mbuna, with adequate volume and hiding places.
Recommended parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24–28 |
| pH | 7.5–8.5 |
| GH | 10–20 |
| KH | 10–15 |
| NO₃ | ≤ 20 |
| PO₄ | ≤ 1 |
Care
Care notes
Temperature 24–28°C, pH 7.5–8.5, GH 10–20. A minimum 200-liter tank is recommended for a group of 3–5 fish. Feed a herbivorous diet of spirulina and vegetables. It can coexist with other Mbuna of similar size and temperament, but avoid overly aggressive species. Provide a rocky setup with open swimming areas. Weekly 20% water changes are recommended. Efficient filtration is necessary. Reproduction is maternal mouthbrooding.