Mbamba Cichlid (Labidochromis sp. "Mbamba") Care Guide
Labidochromis sp. "Mbamba" is a yellow-bodied Lake Malawi mbuna from Mbamba Bay, a relatively peaceful maternal mouthbrooder for hard-water rocky tanks.
Overview
Labidochromis sp. "Mbamba" is an undescribed mbuna from the Mbamba Bay area of Lake Malawi. Both sexes show a bright lemon-yellow body with subtle blue on the dorsal fin. It is relatively peaceful for a mbuna. The genus Labidochromis is endemic to Lake Malawi, contains 18 described species plus undescribed forms, and its members hybridise readily.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Labidochromis
- Scientific name: Labidochromis sp. "Mbamba"
- Trade name: Mbamba Bay Yellow
Habitat
Labidochromis are mbuna, the rock-dwelling cichlids of Lake Malawi; the name means rockfish in the Tonga language. They live among rock piles and along rocky shores in hard, alkaline lake water, establishing enforced territories within the rocky zone.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 7.8-8.6
- GH: 10-20 °dGH
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
Diet
The species is herbivore-leaning, in line with the algae- and biofilm-grazing habits of mbuna. In the aquarium it should be offered a vegetable-based diet such as spirulina flakes and pellets, fed twice daily; excess animal protein should be avoided.
Compatibility
This is a semi-aggressive but comparatively peaceful mbuna, suited to mbuna of similar temperament and to rock-dwelling catfish such as Synodontis petricola and Synodontis multipunctatus in a rocky setup. It should not be combined with soft-water community fish such as discus, angelfish, tetras, Apistogramma or rams.
Breeding
Like other mbuna, Labidochromis sp. "Mbamba" is a maternal mouthbrooder: the female carries the eggs and fry in her mouth. Because Labidochromis species hybridise easily, only one species of the genus should be kept in a tank.