{"product_id":"maingano-cichlid-melanochromis-cyaneorhabdos","title":"Maingano Cichlid | Melanochromis cyaneorhabdos","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Maingano is one of the most eye-catching mbuna in the hobby — ribbons of electric blue and midnight black run the full length of its sleek body, on both males and females. Hardy and richly coloured, it grows to around 9–10 cm, but like most Lake Malawi rock-dwellers it is aggressive and territorial, so it needs space, rockwork and careful stocking.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eEndemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa, and originally found around Likoma Island, the Maingano lives in the rocky, intermediate zones of the lake. The water is hard, alkaline and remarkably stable, and the fish grazes the algae film (Aufwuchs) coating the rocks while defending a patch of territory.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA slim, torpedo-shaped mbuna patterned with alternating longitudinal stripes of neon blue and deep blue-black from nose to tail. Unusually, males and females look alike. Stressed or subordinate fish show marked dark barring. Adults reach roughly 9–10 cm.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAggressive and territorial, particularly towards its own kind and similarly striped mbuna. Keep one male with several females to spread his attention, and stock the tank with other robust mbuna so aggression is diffused rather than focused on a single target.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrimarily a herbivore adapted to grazing algae. Feed a spirulina- or vegetable-based cichlid flake or pellet as the staple. Avoid excessive protein and rich foods such as bloodworm, which can cause the digestive condition known as Malawi bloat.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eProvide plenty of stacked rockwork with caves and crevices over a sandy base, hard and alkaline water, strong filtration and good water movement. Robust and hardy once established, but heavy stocking makes regular water changes essential to keep nitrate in check.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA maternal mouthbrooder. After spawning, the female carries the eggs and fry in her mouth for around three weeks, releasing fully-formed young. Removing the holding female to a separate tank greatly improves fry survival.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMelanochromis cyaneorhabdos (syn. Pseudotropheus cyaneorhabdos)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaingano Cichlid\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLake Malawi (Likoma Island), East Africa\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAround 9–10 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8–10 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAggressive and territorial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e200 litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e250 litres or more\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHerbivore (algae\/vegetable-based cichlid foods)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e23–28 °C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.6–8.8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10–20 dGH (hard)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable (freshwater)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntermediate keepers; Lake Malawi mbuna tanks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLargely — may graze and nibble soft plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eOther robust Lake Malawi mbuna of similar temperament, such as Metriaclima\/Maylandia, Labidochromis and Cynotilapia species, kept in a well-rocked, adequately stocked tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePeaceful community fish, small or slow tankmates, and other blue-striped mbuna (especially \u003cem\u003eMelanochromis johannii\u003c\/em\u003e-type fish) that trigger extra aggression. Avoid soft, acidic water.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55232773456163,"sku":null,"price":12.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55232773488931,"sku":"AA2022","price":17.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/Maingano_Cichlid_b43dc3a3-0865-41ec-b588-bf62985e6f0f.jpg?v=1781446495","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/maingano-cichlid-melanochromis-cyaneorhabdos","provider":"Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}