Malawi Cichlid Faq
Are Malawi Cichlids a community fish ?
Malawi Cichlids are NOT a community fish and should only be kept with their own kind.
How easy are they to keep ?
Relatively easy to keep just like any other Cichlid but be aware of what they require before you start.
How big do they grow ?
Average size for an adult Mbuna is around 5 inches (12cm) Adult Haplochromis can grow upto 14 inches (35cm) but are rarely seen this size in an aquarium.
Are Malawi Cichlids aggressive ?
The Mbuna species are very aggressive due to the territorial and breeding behaviours, unlike the Haplochromis species most of which are less aggressive.
What is the best PH Levels ?
Malawi Cichlids prefer the PH levels to be between 7.4 - 8.6 however they can adapt to lower levels but may not be as active or colourful and a lower PH may also effect their breeding habits.
What temperature should they be kept at ?
Between 78 - 82° f
Are Malawi Cichlids territorial ?
Mbuna are very territorial unlike Haplochromis. They will sometimes fight to the death when it comes to getting that perfect breeding cave.
Are some species preditory ?
Most of the larger Haplochromis such as Nimbochromis Aristochromis Rhamphochromis are preditory fish so they must NOT be kept with the smaller vegetarian eating Mbuna species.
What enviroment do Malawi Cichlids need ?
Mbuna need a built up rocky enviroment and Haplochromis need large open swimming spaces with a few rocks scattered on the bottom.
Which is the best substrate ?
A sandy bottom is best for both Mbuna and Haplochromis.
Do Malawi Cichlids need plants ?
Plants are not native to Mbuna but giant vallis is found in the lake where Haplochromis live. Mbuna will eventually dig up and destroy any plants that they find in the aquarium.
What is the best diet to feed ?
Mbuna need good quality vegetable based foods but will eat anything while Haplochromis need fleshy foods such as shrimps, mussles and prawns but will also eat good quality pellet and stick foods.
How do you sex Malawi Cichlids ?
Some general guide lines for sexing Malawi Cichlids are that some males have egg spots on their anal fins and are much more colourful while the females can be smaller with rounded fins but this is not guranteed. If you need to know you can have them vented which is sometimes frowned upon.
Are they easy to breed ?
These Cichlids have a tendency to breed quickly and easily once you have an established pair. Many of them produce large batches of young so if you are thinking of breeding your Malawi Cichlids then make sure you have some tanks available for all the fry.
How do they care for their young ?
The female will incubate the eggs in her mouth and once hatched will hold them for a further three weeks.
