(Please note that the fish shown in the photo is only a representative of what an adult specimen would look like. The color may vary based on the age and sex of the fish you receive.)
Scientific Name: Elongatus Mphanga
Common Name: Elongate Mbuna, Elongatus Cichlid
Adult Size: 4 - 6 inches
Life Expectancy: 8 - 10 years
Habitat: Lake Malawi, Africa
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Ideal Tank Conditions:
- Temperature Range: 78°F
- pH Range: 7.0 - 8.0
- Water Hardness: 5 - 18
Temperament: Aggressive
Diet & Nutrition: Will accept most foods offered but vegetable matter in the form of spirulina flakes, blanched spinach, nori etc. should form a large proportion of the diet. This can be supplemented with live and frozen varieties. Never feed beefheart or any other red meat as it interferes with the digestive system of these fish.
Breeding & Spawning: Not very difficult. Maternal mouthbrooder. Ideally it should be spawned in a species tank in a harem of one male and at least 3 females, although it will often spawn in the community aquarium.
Gender: Adult males are usually larger and have brighter egg spots on the anal fin than females.