Our Guide To Keeping Flavus Cichlid Fish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Pseudotropheus flavus
   • Common name: Flavus Cichlid
   • Family: Cichlidae
   • Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa
   • Adult length: 8–10 cm (3–4 inches)
   • Lifespan: 7–10 years
   • Diet: Herbivore
   • Care Level: Moderate
   • Temperament: Aggressive

2. Tank Setup:

   • Flavus Cichlids require a rocky environment with caves and crevices to mimic their natural habitat.
   • A minimum tank size of 150L (40 gallons) is recommended for a small group.
   • Use sand or fine gravel as a substrate, and include hardy plants like Java Fern, which can tolerate cichlid behavior.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Maintain a pH level between 7.5 and 8.5 to replicate the alkaline conditions of Lake Malawi.
   • Water temperature should be kept between 24–28°C (75–82°F).

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • Strong filtration is required to keep the water clean and well-oxygenated.
   • Moderate to high water flow is recommended to simulate their natural environment.

5. Diet:

   • Flavus Cichlids are herbivores and should be fed a diet rich in vegetable matter.
   • Provide high-quality spirulina flakes, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables such as spinach or zucchini.
   • Avoid protein-rich foods as they can lead to health issues.

6. Tank Mates:

   • They are best kept with other Mbuna cichlids of similar size and temperament.
   • Avoid keeping them with overly aggressive species or slow-moving fish.
   • Keeping them in groups of at least five individuals helps reduce aggression.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Flavus Cichlids are territorial and aggressive, especially towards their own species.
   • They establish dominance hierarchies within the tank, so provide plenty of hiding spots to minimize aggression.
   • They are best suited for species-only or Mbuna community tanks.