Parallel striped mbuna (Melanochromis parallelus)

Scientific name: Melanochromis parallelus Burgess & Axelrod, 1976

The Parallel striped mbuna (Melanochromis parallelus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows to about 11.5 cm (4.5 in). It is easy to keep, needs carefully chosen tank mates and needs a tank of at least 210 L (55 US gal), water at 22–27°C (72–81°F) and a pH of 7.5–9.0. Native range: Africa, Endemic to Lake Malawi. Off Chisumulu Island, Likoma Island and the northwestern coast of Lake Malawi.

Parallel striped mbuna care at a glance

Care level
Easy
Community tank
With caution
Adult size
11.5 cm (4.5 in)
Minimum tank
210 L (55 US gal)
Temperature
22–27°C (72–81°F)
pH
7.5–9.0
Hardness
10–25 dGH (178–446 ppm)
Diet
Herbivore

Species facts

Scientific name
Melanochromis parallelus
Family
Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order
Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
11.4
Depth range
2–28 m (7–92 ft)
Environment
Freshwater; demersal; depth range 2 - 28 m
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Africa: Endemic to Lake Malawi. Occurs in Chisumulu Island, Likoma Island and the northwestern coast of Lake Malawi.
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.)

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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