Melanochromis parallelus Care Guide
Melanochromis parallelus (a synonym of M. loriae) is a parallel-striped mbuna cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, reaching about 12 cm.
Overview
Melanochromis parallelus is a rock-dwelling mbuna cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi. The name was published by Burgess & Axelrod in 1976; in current taxonomy it is treated as a junior synonym of Melanochromis loriae (Johnson, 1975). The fish is named for its parallel horizontal stripes.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Melanochromis
- Scientific name: Melanochromis parallelus
- Accepted name (FishBase): Melanochromis loriae (Johnson, 1975)
Habitat
The species is endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. It was originally recorded around Chipoka Island, and a 2012 revision expanded its known range to populations near Likoma Island, Chisumulu Island and the north-western coast. It inhabits rocky shoreline zones.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 300 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 7.8-8.6
- GH: 10-20 °dGH
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
- Substrate: sand with abundant rockwork
Diet
Like most mbuna, it grazes aufwuchs (the algal mat and associated microfauna covering rocks). In aquaria a vegetable-rich, spirulina-based diet suits this omnivore; excess protein should be avoided.
Compatibility
It is an aggressive, territorial cichlid. It should be kept only with robust mbuna of similar temperament and with Lake Tanganyika catfishes such as Synodontis multipunctatus. Soft-water community fish, peaceful cichlids and slow tankmates such as discus, angelfish, tetras, Apistogramma and rams are unsuitable.
Breeding
Melanochromis species are maternal mouthbrooders; the female incubates the eggs and fry in her mouth. Breeding in aquaria is of intermediate difficulty.
Conservation status
Under the accepted name Melanochromis loriae, the IUCN Red List lists the species as Least Concern, while collection for the aquarium trade is noted as a pressure on wild populations.