Elongate mbuna (Pseudotropheus elongatus)

Scientific name: Pseudotropheus elongatus Fryer, 1956

The Elongate mbuna (Pseudotropheus elongatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows to about 10 cm (3.9 in). It is aggressive and needs a tank of at least 150 L (40 US gal), water at 22–27°C (72–81°F) and a pH of 7.5–8.0. Native range: Africa, Endemic to Lake Malawi. Occurs in Nkata Bay and Mbamba Bay.

Elongate mbuna care at a glance

Temperament
Aggressive
Adult size
10 cm (3.9 in)
Minimum tank
150 L (40 US gal)
Temperature
22–27°C (72–81°F)
pH
7.5–8.0
Hardness
9–19 dGH (161–339 ppm)
Diet
Omnivore. Accepts flakes, frozen foods and live foods.

Biology

Inhabits the shallow rocky biotope in sediment-free areas. Common around small rocks. Feeds by combing loose algae from the biocover.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Pseudotropheus elongatus
Family
Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order
Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
9.5
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 7.5 - 8.0; dH range: 9 - 19 demersal
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Africa: Endemic to Lake Malawi. Occurs in Nkata Bay and Mbamba Bay.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Vulnerable (VU) (D2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Aquarium: commercial
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

More african cichlids

See all african cichlids

Sources

Taxonomy, 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.

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