Mylochromis Maleri (Mylochromis lateristriga) Care Guide

Sand-living predatory hap with diagonal black stripe across body. Males turn metallic blue. Reaches 18-20 cm; peaceful with similarly sized cichlids in 500 L+ tanks.

Overview

Mylochromis lateristriga is a species in the family Cichlidae. Sand-living predatory hap with diagonal black stripe across body. Males turn metallic blue. Reaches 18-20 cm; peaceful with similarly sized cichlids in 500 L+ tanks.

Taxonomy

Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Mylochromis
Scientific name: Mylochromis lateristriga
Origin: Africa, Lake Malawi

Habitat

Endemic to Lake Malawi, inhabiting sandy and intermediate zones. Feeds by sifting sand for invertebrates and snails. Recognised by a diagonal stripe across the body; a maternal mouthbrooder. The genus Mylochromis comprises numerous lake endemics.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 500 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 7.8-8.6
GH: 10-20 °dGH
Adult size: 16-20 cm
Lifespan: 8-12 years
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as carnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: semi-aggressive
Swimming level: middle
Compatible tank mates: Aulonocara peacocks, Other Haps, Synodontis multipunctatus
Avoid with: Mbuna, Tropheus, Discus, Apistogramma, Tetras, Very small fish

Breeding

Breeding strategy: mouthbrooder
Breeding difficulty: intermediate