Pseudotropheus saulosi

Scientific name: Pseudotropheus saulosi Konings, 1990

Pseudotropheus saulosi is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows to about 9 cm (3.5 in). It is easy to keep and semi-aggressive and needs a tank of at least 115 L (30 US gal), water at 23–28°C (73–82°F) and a pH of 7.4–8.4. Native range: Africa, Endemic to Lake Malawi.

Pseudotropheus saulosi care at a glance

Care level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Adult size: 9 cm (3.5 in)
Minimum tank: 115 L (30 US gal)
Temperature: 23–28°C (73–82°F)
pH: 7.4–8.4
Hardness: 7–30 dGH (125–535 ppm)
Diet: Omnivore

Biology

Large groups of this species occur in the sediment-free rocky habitat. Found in the upper part of the reef where the current is strong. Feeds from the biocover by picking and nibbling at loose material from the substrate.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Pseudotropheus saulosi
Family: Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 8.6
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 7.4 - 8.4; dH range: 7 - 30 demersal
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Africa: Lake 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