Yellow-tail Acei Cichlid (Pseudotropheus sp. "acei") Care Guide

An unusually peaceful mbuna with a distinctive purple-blue body and bright yellow tail and dorsal fin. Unlike most mbuna, it is a mid-water swimmer that does not fiercely defend rocky territories.

Overview

Pseudotropheus sp. "acei" is a species in the family Cichlidae. An unusually peaceful mbuna with a distinctive purple-blue body and bright yellow tail and dorsal fin. Unlike most mbuna, it is a mid-water swimmer that does not fiercely defend rocky territories. Feeds on algae growing on submerged logs in the wild.

Taxonomy

Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Pseudotropheus
Scientific name: Pseudotropheus sp. "acei"
Other names: Acei Cichlid, Yellow Tail Acei
Origin: Africa, Lake Malawi

Habitat

Pseudotropheus sp. "acei" is a mbuna cichlid from Lake Malawi in East Africa, associated with sandy areas and submerged wood rather than rock. It grazes aufwuchs and biofilm and is comparatively peaceful for a mbuna, doing well in shoals.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 200 L
Temperature: 24-28 °C
pH: 7.5-8.5
GH: 10-20 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 10-15 cm
Lifespan: 6-10 years
Recommended group size: ≥ 6
Difficulty: beginner

Diet

Classified as herbivore. 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
Position in tank: middle
Compatible tank mates: Yellow Lab, Other Mbunas, Synodontis Petricola, Bristlenose Pleco
Avoid with: Peacock Cichlids, Small Fish, Shrimp

Breeding

Breeding strategy: mouthbrooder
Breeding difficulty: beginner