Melanochromis perileucos

Scientific name: Melanochromis perileucos Bowers & Stauffer, 1997

Melanochromis perileucos is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows to about 9 cm (3.5 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 Likoma Island (Membe Point).

Melanochromis perileucos care at a glance

Care level: Moderate
Community tank: Not suitable
Adult size: 9 cm (3.5 in)
Minimum tank: 210 L (55 US gal)
Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
pH: 7.8–8.6
Hardness: 9–19 dGH (161–339 ppm)
Diet: Herbivore

Biology

Observed over rock-sand interface as well as purely rocky habitats. Feeds on attached algae, in the sand substrata, and on plankton.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Melanochromis perileucos
Family: Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 8.0
Depth range: 5–8 m (16–26 ft)
Environment: Freshwater; benthopelagic; depth range 5 - 8 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Africa: Likoma Island (Membe Point), 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