Our Guide To Keeping Pseudotropheus Ndumbi Red Top Cichlid Fish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Pseudotropheus sp. "Ndumbi Red Top"
   • Common name: Ndumbi Red Top
   • Family: Cichlidae
   • Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa
   • Adult length: 10-12 cm
   • Lifespan: 8 to 10 years
   • Diet: Omnivore
   • Care Level: Moderate
   • Temperament: Semi-aggressive

2. Tank Setup:

   • Ndumbi Red Top Cichlids require a rocky aquascape with caves and crevices to mimic their natural habitat in Lake Malawi.
   • A minimum tank size of 150L is recommended for a small group, with larger tanks preferred for multiple males to reduce aggression.
   • Use sand or fine gravel as a substrate, and ensure there are plenty of hiding spaces for territorial behaviors.

3. Water Parameters:

   • These cichlids prefer alkaline water conditions with a pH range of 7.8 to 8.6.
   • Maintain a water temperature between 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F).
   • Ensure hard water conditions with a GH of 10-20 dGH for their optimal health.

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • Moderate to strong water flow is ideal, mimicking the currents in Lake Malawi.
   • Use a high-quality filter to maintain excellent water quality, as cichlids produce significant waste.

5. Diet:

   • Ndumbi Red Tops are omnivores, but their diet should primarily consist of herbivorous foods.
   • Feed them high-quality cichlid pellets or flakes, supplemented with spirulina, blanched vegetables, and occasional protein sources like brine shrimp.
   • Avoid excessive meaty foods, as it can lead to digestive issues like Malawi Bloat.

6. Tank mates:

   • Compatible with other Lake Malawi Mbuna cichlids, but aggression should be monitored.
   • Avoid keeping them with overly aggressive species like larger Haplochromis or Peacock Cichlids.
   • Best housed in a species-only tank or a carefully selected Malawi Mbuna community.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Semi-aggressive and territorial, especially males during breeding.
   • Best kept in a group with a higher female-to-male ratio to reduce male aggression.
   • They display interesting social behaviors, including hierarchy establishment and territory defense.