Mbuna Hunter (Taeniochromis holotaenia) Care Guide

Slender Lake Malawi predator with single horizontal stripe across body. Reaches 25 cm and hunts mbuna fry along rocky shores. Males develop iridescent blue. Specialised hunter for advanced keepers.

Overview

Taeniochromis holotaenia is a species in the family Cichlidae. Slender Lake Malawi predator with single horizontal stripe across body. Reaches 25 cm and hunts mbuna fry along rocky shores. Males develop iridescent blue. Specialised hunter for advanced keepers.

Taxonomy

Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Taeniochromis
Scientific name: Taeniochromis holotaenia
Origin: Africa, Lake Malawi

Habitat

Endemic to Lake Malawi, ranging over intermediate and rocky zones. An elongated predatory hap that hunts smaller fishes. Recognised by a continuous horizontal stripe along the flank; the only species in the genus Taeniochromis. A maternal mouthbrooder.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 500 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 7.8-8.6
GH: 10-20 °dGH
Adult size: 22-28 cm
Lifespan: 8-12 years
Difficulty: advanced

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: Large hap species
Avoid with: Mbuna, Tropheus, Discus, Apistogramma, Tetras, Small fish

Breeding

Breeding strategy: mouthbrooder
Breeding difficulty: intermediate