Melanochromis loriae
 

79°F
Explanation of the symbols

75°F

Family : Cichlidae
Origin : Lake Malawi
Length : 12 cm - 5"
Min. length aquarium : 140 cm - 55"
English name : Parallel Striped Mbuna
When the aquarium is too small this fish is very aggressive, especially to species of their own kind.  They need a lot of space.  You should keep one male together with several females.  The aquarium should be set up with stones and rocks to create crevices and caves.  Some plants can be used as well.  A territory is made.  A good filter and a regular changing of the water are necessary.

You should give them live food.  Frozen and dry food are accepted as well.

Breeding is easy.  Up to 60 eggs are laid.  Immediately after that the female takes the eggs in her mouth.  They are fertilized by the male using the dummy egg method.  The female retires between the rocks.  After 3 weeks the young fishes leave the mouth of the mother. They are large enough to feed them with small waterflees and fine crushed dry food.

Photo Credit
Kevin Bauman

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