Interruptus

Male

Female



Type: Tropical Freshwater
Location: Lake Malawi

Scientific Name: Melanochromis Interruptus
Maximum Size: 4"
Minimum Tank Volume: 240L
Water pH: 7.8-8.6
Water Temperature: 25-28ºC

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

Appearance
Interruptus males are dark blue with a hint of light blue horizontal bars. The famales are yellow/orange.
Interruptus is a species that is very similar to the Johanni and unfortunately sometimes can be mistakenly sold as one. The main distinction between the two is that johanni exhibit very straight unbroken stripes, whereas the interruptus has broken (checkerboard like) stripes.

Ease Of Keeping
These fish are hardy. Rock caves are a must to provide territories.

Temperament
Aggressive. Their conspecific temperament is highly aggressive (temperament towards other fish of the same species)

Sexing
Interruptus are dimorphic, females and males being different colours. The males are dark blue with a hint
of light blue horizontal bars. The famales are yellow/orange.

Breeding Information
Prolific mouthbrooder. Does not need any special layout for breeding, but a 1M to 4F ratio is best.
The interruptus is capable of fertilizing eggs prior to color metamorphosis, while other melanochromis species appear to wait until adult coloration. M.johannii is the only exception

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