Our Guide To Keeping Maingano Cichlid Fish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Melanochromis cyaneorhabdos
   • Common name: Maingano Cichlid
   • Family: Cichlidae
   • Origin: Lake Malawi in Africa
   • Adult length: 10 cm (4 inches)
   • Lifespan: 5 to 8 years

2. Tank Setup:

   • Maingano Cichlids prefer a tank with plenty of rocks and caves to mimic their natural habitat. Provide a minimum tank size of 200L.
   • Include sand or fine gravel substrate to allow them to sift through for food and create territories.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Keep the water parameters stable with a pH of 7.5 to 8.5 and a water hardness of 10 to 18 dGH.
   • Maintain the water temperature between 23 to 28°C (73 to 82°F).

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • Ensure efficient filtration to maintain water quality, and provide moderate water flow.

5. Diet:

   • Maingano Cichlids are omnivores and should be fed a varied diet including high-quality cichlid pellets or flakes supplemented with occasional live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and spirulina.

6. Tank mates:

   • They can be kept with other Lake Malawi cichlids of similar size and temperament, but avoid keeping them with overly aggressive species.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Maingano Cichlids are territorial and can be aggressive, especially during breeding. Provide plenty of hiding spots and territories to reduce aggression.
   • They are best kept in a species-only tank or with other Lake Malawi cichlids in a large tank with ample space and hiding spots.