Pseudotropheus flavus

Scientific name: Pseudotropheus flavus Stauffer, 1988

Pseudotropheus flavus is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows to about 12 cm (4.7 in). It is aggressive and needs a tank of at least 150 L (40 US gal), water at 25–28°C (77–82°F) and a pH of 7.4–8.4. Native range: Africa, Endemic to Lake Malawi.

Pseudotropheus flavus care at a glance

Temperament: Aggressive
Adult size: 12 cm (4.7 in)
Minimum tank: 150 L (40 US gal)
Temperature: 25–28°C (77–82°F)
pH: 7.4–8.4
Hardness: 7–30 dGH (125–535 ppm)
Diet: Herbivore

Biology

Inhabits the rocky biotope. Feeds mainly on plankton in the open water. During feeding, large foraging schools hover about 1 m above the substrate.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Pseudotropheus flavus
Family: Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 7.6
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 7.4 - 8.4; dH range: 7 - 30 demersal
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Africa: Probably endemic to Chinyankwazi Island.
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.)

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