HomeFreshwater aquarium fishAfrican cichlidsBluegray mbuna Bluegray mbuna (Melanochromis johannii) Scientific name: Melanochromis johannii Eccles, 1973 The Bluegray mbuna (Melanochromis johannii) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows to about 10 cm (3.9 in). It is moderate to keep, is best kept in a species tank and needs a tank of at least 210 L (55 US gal), water at 22–28°C (72–82°F) and a pH of 7.8–8.6. Native range: Africa, Endemic to Lake Malawi. Occurs in Masinje Rocks, Cape Ngombo. Bluegray mbuna care at a glanceCare levelModerateCommunity tankNot suitableAdult size10 cm (3.9 in)Minimum tank210 L (55 US gal)Temperature22–28°C (72–82°F)pH7.8–8.6Hardness9–19 dGH (161–339 ppm)DietHerbivore BiologyMales are brilliant sky blue to dark blue; the colors show a "checkerboard" pattern with alternating light and dark patches; several light-colored "egg spots" on their anal fin; females and juveniles bright yellow-orange in color.Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific nameMelanochromis johanniiFamilyCichlidae (Cichlids)OrderPerciformes (Perch-like fish)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length10.0EnvironmentFreshwater;; pH range: 8.0 - 8.0; dH range: 9 - 19 benthopelagicClimateTropicalDistributionAfrica: endemic to Lake Malawi. Occurs in Masinje Rocks, Cape Ngombo.Conservation status (IUCN)Vulnerable (VU) (D2)Threat to humansHarmlessUsesAquarium: commercialResilienceMedium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Fec More african cichlidsMelanochromis chipokaeGolden mbunaMelanochromis auratusPseudotropheus crabroLabidochromis chisumulaeBlue streak hapLabidochromis caeruleusScrapermouth mbunaLabeotropheus trewavasaeSee all african cichlids SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.Last updated 28 September 2026