Our Guide To Keeping Bumblebee Mouthbrooder Cichlid Fish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Pseudotropheus crabro
   • Common name: Bumblebee Mouthbrooder Cichlid
   • Family: Cichlidae
   • Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa
   • Adult length: 10 cm
   • Lifespan: 5 to 8 years

2. Tank Setup:

   • Bumblebee Mouthbrooder Cichlids appreciate a rocky aquarium setup resembling their natural habitat in Lake Malawi.
   • Provide a sandy substrate and include plenty of caves, rocks, and hiding spots to create territories for each fish.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Bumblebee Mouthbrooder Cichlids thrive in hard, alkaline water conditions typical of Lake Malawi.
   • Keep the pH between 7.5 to 8.5 and the water temperature between 23 to 28°C (73 to 82°F).

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • Efficient filtration is essential to maintain water quality in a cichlid tank. Use a powerful filter to handle their waste and maintain good oxygenation.

5. Diet:

   • Bumblebee Mouthbrooder Cichlids are primarily herbivores, so their diet should include high-quality vegetable-based foods.
   • Offer them a variety of spirulina-based flakes, pellets, and algae wafers supplemented with occasional protein-rich treats like brine shrimp or bloodworms.

6. Tank mates:

   • Bumblebee Mouthbrooder Cichlids are aggressive and territorial, especially towards other mbuna cichlids. Keep them with other robust African cichlid species in a large tank to distribute aggression.
   • Avoid mixing them with peaceful or timid fish that may become targets of aggression.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Bumblebee Mouthbrooder Cichlids are territorial and can be aggressive, especially during breeding or when establishing dominance.
   • Provide plenty of hiding spots and visual barriers to reduce aggression and create territories within the tank.