Fuelleborn's Cichlid care guide
Fuelleborn's Cichlid (Labeotropheus fuelleborni) — minimum tank 300 L, temperature 24-27 °C, pH 7.8-8.6.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Labeotropheus fuelleborni is a Malawi mbuna recognised by its distinctive overhanging upper lip, used to graze algae from rocks at sharp angles. Numerous geographic colour morphs exist. Adults reach about 15 cm and inhabit the upper rocky shore.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Labeotropheus
- Scientific name: Labeotropheus fuelleborni
- Common synonyms: Blue Mbuna
Habitat
Endemic to the rocky shore (mbuna zone) of Lake Malawi in the African Rift Valley, where it lives over wave-washed boulder slopes. The lake is exceptionally hard and alkaline — pH 7.8-8.6, KH 6-15 — and warm year round. The species is highly site-attached and territorial males defend small rock caves.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 300 L (79.3 US gal)
- Adult size: 12-15 cm
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 7.8-8.6
- GH: 10-20 °dGH
- Water flow: medium
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
Diet
In the wild it grazes the aufwuchs layer of algae, biofilm and associated micro-invertebrates that coats the rocks. In aquaria a vegetable-rich diet of spirulina and algae-based cichlid pellets, blanched vegetables and occasional frozen brine shrimp is appropriate; high-protein foods such as bloodworm should be avoided to prevent "Malawi bloat".
Compatibility
Aggressive and territorial; best kept in a large mbuna community with several other rock-dwelling species so that aggression is dispersed. A typical stocking is one male to several females (1:3-4). Avoid mixing with very different lake faunas (e.g., New World cichlids) and with similar-coloured congeners that may hybridise.
Breeding
A polygamous maternal mouthbrooder. The male defends a small rock territory, displays to passing females and entices each to spawn on a flat surface; the female collects the eggs into her mouth immediately and incubates them for about three weeks before releasing free-swimming fry.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: see species page. The Lake Malawi cichlid radiation has been intensively assessed; most mbuna are evaluated and many are categorised Least Concern, though species with restricted ranges along single sub-shores are more vulnerable.
Labeotropheus fuelleborni Breeding Guide
Overview
Labeotropheus fuelleborni, Fuelleborn's Cichlid, is a rock-dwelling mbuna from Lake Malawi with a distinctive overhanging snout and chisel-shaped teeth for grazing algae off rocks in shallow turbulent water. It can reach up to 30 cm and is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. The species is a maternal mouthbrooder and exists in many colour morphs, including blue forms and blotched (OB) forms; the mottled forms are sometimes called marmalade cats.
Sexing
Males are larger and far more colourful than females. Males carry egg-shaped spots on the anal fin used during spawning. The species shows several colour patterns, including orange and orange-blotch (OB) female forms; OB males, the so-called marmalade cats, are comparatively rare.
Conditioning
Condition breeding stock on plenty of vegetable matter alongside live and frozen foods, reflecting the species' algae-grazing diet. A vegetable-rich regime keeps the algae-feeding digestive system in good order while bringing fish into breeding condition.
Breeding Setup
Spawn in a species tank with a harem of one male and at least three females, which spreads the male's attention and reduces harassment of any single female. Provide rockwork that gives the male a defendable spawning site.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
The male cleans and displays around a chosen spawning site with intensified colour to attract females. A female lays eggs and immediately retrieves them into her mouth; when she tries to collect the egg-spots on the male's anal fin he releases sperm, fertilising the eggs orally.
Egg & Fry Care
Females carry 25-60 eggs for up to three or four weeks before releasing free-swimming fry. Different colour forms should not be mixed in the aquarium because they may hybridise, so keep a single, known form together when raising fry.