Melanochromis baliodigma

Scientific name: Melanochromis baliodigma Bowers & Stauffer, 1997

Melanochromis baliodigma is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows to about 6.4 cm (2.5 in). It is easy to keep and needs a tank of at least 210 L (55 US gal), water at 25–28°C (77–82°F) and a pH of 7.3–8.5. Native range: Africa, Endemic to Lake Malawi. Off Membe Island.

Melanochromis baliodigma care at a glance

Care level: Easy
Adult size: 6.4 cm (2.5 in)
Minimum tank: 210 L (55 US gal)
Temperature: 25–28°C (77–82°F)
pH: 7.3–8.5
Hardness: 7–18 dGH (125–321 ppm)
Diet: Herbivore

Biology

Found at intermediate depths over rock-sand interface. Appears to be an opportunistic feeder, eating smaller fish and catfish eggs.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Melanochromis baliodigma
Family: Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 6.7
Depth range: 5 m (16 ft)
Environment: Freshwater; benthopelagic; depth range 5 - 5 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Africa: off Membe Island, Lake Malawi, Malawi.
Conservation status (IUCN): Vulnerable (VU) (D2)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

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.

Last updated 28 September 2026