Elongatus Mpanga (Pseudotropheus elongatus "Mpanga") Care Guide
Pseudotropheus elongatus "Mpanga" is a regional form of an elongate Lake Malawi mbuna cichlid, an algae-grazing maternal mouthbrooder.
Overview
Pseudotropheus elongatus "Mpanga" is a regional collection form of the elongate mbuna cichlid from Lake Malawi. The base species, originally described as Pseudotropheus elongatus by Fryer in 1956, was later reclassified into the genus Chindongo (Chindongo elongatus per FishBase and Wikipedia). The "Mpanga" name refers to its collection locality. It belongs to the family Cichlidae.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Pseudotropheus (now often placed in Chindongo)
- Scientific name: Pseudotropheus elongatus "Mpanga"
- Current name of the base species: Chindongo elongatus
Habitat
FishBase records the base species as endemic to Lake Malawi in Africa, inhabiting a shallow rocky biotope in sediment-free areas around small rocks. Wikipedia notes the species is known from Mkata Bay and Mbamba Bay. FishBase cites a pH of 7.5-8.0, hardness of 9-19 dH and temperatures of 22-25 °C.
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
Diet
FishBase describes the base species as herbivorous, feeding by combing loose algae from the biocover (aufwuchs), with a trophic level of about 2.5. In aquaria a vegetable-based diet suits this grazer.
Compatibility
An aggressive, territorial mbuna best kept in mbuna-only setups. The KB record lists Synodontis petricola, Synodontis multipunctatus and other mbuna of similar aggression as tankmates, while peaceful fish such as discus, angelfish, tetras, Apistogramma and rams should be avoided.
Breeding
FishBase records the base species as a maternal mouthbrooder, producing up to about 37 eggs that the female incubates in her mouth.
Conservation status
FishBase and Wikipedia list the base species (Chindongo elongatus) as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.