Bumblebee Cichlid care guide
Bumblebee Cichlid (Pseudotropheus crabro) — minimum tank 350 L, temperature 24-27 °C, pH 7.8-8.6.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Pseudotropheus crabro ("Bumblebee Cichlid") is a Lake Malawi mbuna distinguished by bold black and yellow vertical bars. The species has the unusual habit of cleaning parasites from large kampango catfish (Bagrus meridionalis) in the wild. Adults reach about 15 cm.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Pseudotropheus
- Scientific name: Pseudotropheus crabro
- Common synonyms: Crabro, Hornet Cichlid
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: 350 L (92.5 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.
Bumblebee Cichlid (Pseudotropheus crabro) Breeding Guide
Overview
Pseudotropheus crabro, the Bumblebee or Hornet cichlid, is a robust mbuna endemic to Lake Malawi, most often found in large caves or near big boulders and reaching up to about 16 cm standard length. In the wild it acts as a cleaner for the kampango catfish, Bagrus meridionalis, and is also a maternal mouthbrooder.
Sexing
The species shows vertical yellow-and-black bumblebee bars and can rapidly change colour, which complicates sexing. Juveniles are brightly coloured and become darker on maturity, especially the males, so a settled dark fish that displays at a cave is most likely a male.
Conditioning
Condition the group well in stable hard, alkaline water within the species' maintenance range. Its natural diet includes the parasites and necrotic tissue of the kampango as well as catfish eggs, so a varied conditioning diet suits this more omnivorous mbuna. Well-fed females in firm condition that have established themselves among the rocks come into spawning condition most readily.
Breeding Setup
Provide a large tank with substantial rockwork incorporating caves and large boulders, reflecting the habitat where it breeds. A harem of one male and several females spreads the male's aggression, which is necessary for this rough, territorial species.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
In the wild this species is behaviourally specialised to raid kampango nests, persistently feeding on the catfish's eggs despite the defending parents; this egg-eating habit means fry of other tankmates are also at risk. When breeding its own kind, the female takes the fertilised eggs into her mouth at the spawning site in the typical mbuna manner.
Egg & Fry Care
The female holds the eggs and fry in her mouth for up to three weeks and then releases a small number of healthy fry. Because broods are small, rearing the fry separately in a grow-out tank improves survival.
Common Challenges
The fish's rapid colour change makes reliable sexing difficult, and its predatory, egg-raiding nature means it will consume fry, including its own if disturbed, and the eggs of tankmates. A large tank, a strong harem and removal of holding females or fry to a separate tank are the practical responses.