Purple mbuna (Melanochromis vermivorus)

Scientific name: Melanochromis vermivorus Trewavas, 1935

The Purple mbuna (Melanochromis vermivorus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 22–26°C (72–79°F). Native range: Africa, Lake Malawi: Monkey Bay, Nankumba Peninsula, Eccles Reef, West Reef and Domwe, Thumbi West, Mumbo, Maleri, Mbenji, Chinyankwazi Islands.

Purple mbuna care at a glance

Temperature: 22–26°C (72–79°F)

Species facts

Scientific name: Melanochromis vermivorus
Family: Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 7.4
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 7.0 - 8.5; dH range: 10 - 15 demersal
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Africa: Lake Malawi: Monkey Bay, Nankumba Peninsula, Eccles Reef, West Reef and Domwe, Thumbi West, Mumbo, Maleri, Mbenji, Chinyankwazi Islands.
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.)