Mpanga

Type: Tropical Freshwater
Location: Lake Malawi

Scientific Name: Pseudotropheus Elongatus Mpanga
Maximum Size: 5"
Minimum Tank Volume: 240L
Water pH: 7.8-8.6
Water Temperature: 25-28ºC

Mpanga are part of the Mbuna (meaning Rock-dwelling) group of Cichlids.

Appearance
As the name suggests it has an elongated body-shape. Species from the elongatus family guard their territory with great intense and could be rather aggressive.

Ease Of Keeping
These fish are hardy, most problems are from the aquarists not understanding how to properly set up a Rift Lake Cichlid tank.

Temperament
Can be quite aggressive & territorial.

Sexing
Coloured males have a blue vertical barring with yellow markings in the caudal and dorsal fins. Females are more brownish.

Breeding Information
Prolific mouthbrooder. Does not need any special layout for breeding, but a 1M to 4F ratio is best.

Dietary Needs
Omnivore - a diet heavy in plant matter. Spirulina is the food of choice for this fish, with other vegetables such as frozen peas and lettuce.

Common Diseases
Malawi Bloat - condition deadly to malawi cichlids. It is caused by too much protein in the diet of some cichlids