Melanochromis crabro is a mbuna cichlid from Lake Malawi in eastern Africa. (Click here for a general discussion of cichlids.) This fish is sometimes called Melanochromis ornatus. The top photo is a mature male. The bottom photo is a mature female. Our strain is from a commercial source. We acquired the strain in 2003.

Size: Males often reach 12.5cm (6 in.). Females are somewhat smaller.

Environment: This fish tolerates pHs from 6.5 to 8.0 while preferring pHs at near the higher end (basic) of this range. Water hardness is not critical, but it prefers very hard water. Optimum temperature ranges from 20-30°C (68-85°F).

Temperament: This fish is not aggressive for a cichlid, but males can be quarrelsome among themselves. They are active fish, constantly interacting with other fish. It can be kept either in a large single species aquarium or in active community aquaria with fish with similar behavior and requirements.

Spawning: This cichlid breeds like other members of its genus. It is a maternal mouth brooder. At 30°C (85°F), females carry eggs and fry for about 21 days. Broods are smaller than those of most cichlids can be as large as 30 fry for mature females. The fry are large and can eat commercial food, Daphnia, brine shrimp nauplii, etc. immediately. The adults are not significant fry eaters, so the fry can be reared with the adults. The fry will, however, usually grow faster if removed from the adults. We maintain breeding colonies of this fish consisting of one male and six to twenty females.

Additional Information: For more information about this species, click on one of the following article names:
     

Additional Photos: For additional photos of this species, click on one of the following photo locations:

Page last modified December 27, 2007.
Copyright © 2007, Goliad Farms, Inc.