Melanochromis brevis

Scientific name: Melanochromis brevis Trewavas, 1935

Melanochromis brevis is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows to about 12 cm (4.7 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. Occurs in Nkudzi and Monkey Bay.

Melanochromis brevis care at a glance

Care level: Easy
Adult size: 12 cm (4.7 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

Inhabits the sediment-free rocky habitat in the upper 3 m. Tends to hide in caves and crevices. Feeds on ants, flies, algae and plankton taken from the stirred-up material in the open water.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Melanochromis brevis
Family: Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 12.0
Environment: Freshwater; demersal
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Africa: Endemic to Lake Malawi. Occurs in Nkudzi and Monkey Bay.
Conservation status (IUCN): Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquarium: commercial
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