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Pseudotropheus crabro



Picture of Pseudotropheus crabro (bumblebee cichlid)

Photo taken at Wharf Aquatics
Photos © Sean Evans

Common name:Bumblebee cichlid
Scientific name:Pseudotropheus crabro
Synonyms:Pseudotropheus chameleo, Metriaclima/Maylandia crabro, also formerly known as Melanochromis crabro.
Size:5" (12.5cm)
Origin:Lake Malawi, East Africa
Tank setup:A large tank with many rock caves.
Compatibility:Combine with other mbuna species, quite aggressive.
Temperature:23-28oC (73-82oF)
Water chemistry:Hard and alkaline: pH 7.6-8.6 ; GH 7 plus ; KH 10-12 ideally, but at least 6.
Feeding:Omnivore, feed a varied diet of dried foods and frozen/live foods. In the wild, this species feeds on parasites of the catfish Bagrus meridionalis, and will also eat the eggs of spawning catfish.
Sexing:No obvious differences, but breeding males become much darker.
Breeding:Mouthbrooder. A secretive cave spawner.
Comments: The bright contrasting stripes of juveniles make this species a popular choice for a mbuna tank. The name "chameleo" is a trade name that refers to this species' ability to change its colour rapidly from yellow bars to a uniform dark brown.

See also the Malawi mbuna section for more detailed info on keeping and breeding the Malawi mbuna cichlids.

 

Malawi Cichlids Tanganyika Cichlids Dwarf Cichlids American Cichlids

 

 

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The Tropical Tank Copyright © 2000-2022 Sean Evans This website was last updated on 20th November 2022