Slender mbuna - Pseudotropheus elongatus

Scientific name: Pseudotropheus elongatus

Common name: Slender mbuna

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 10 - 14 cm (3.94 - 5.51 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 7.5 - 8.9

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 12 - 25°N (214.29 - 446.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 27 °C (71.6 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive/territorial

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food

The slender mbuna should be fed a high protein diet of live or frozen foods. Algae should also be included in this cichlid’s diet to aid in digestion.

Sexing

Both males and females of this species are bright blue with 6 to 12 dark blue vertical stripes. The males have more dramatic coloring with a darker head and dummy egg spots located on the anal fin.

Breeding

The slender mbuna is a typical mouthbrooder. The female will hold her brood of 20-40 fry in her mouth for up to three weeks.

Lifespan

7-10 years.

Origin

Lake Malawi in East Africa.

Description

This mbuna is easily distinguishable from the others because of its long and slender shape. This is why it is nicknamed the “slender mbuna”.

Source

Aquarium Fishes of the World by Dr. Herbert R. Axelrod, Dr. Warren E. Burgess, Neal Pronek, Glen S. Axelrod, David E. Boruchowitz

Picture

Thanks to Marwin!