Labidochromis chisumulae

Labidochromis chisumulae is a small mbuna that lives on the rocky reefs of Chizumulu Island in Lake Malawi. Its whitish or light blue body is decorated with dark vertical bars. Like its relative the yellow lab, it is a peaceful species among mbuna and stays around 8 cm. The sexes are similarly colored; males are slightly larger and their colors more distinct.

• At least 200 liters and 100–120 cm in length for a harem and a few calm mbuna.
• Rockwork with many small caves and crevices.
• Hard and alkaline water (pH 7.8–8.5); aragonite substrate or Malawi salt.
• Strong filtration and weekly 30–50% water changes.

Omnivorous; in the wild it picks small invertebrates from rock crevices. Small-grained cichlid pellets and a spirulina-based food are given in rotation; brine shrimp and cyclops can be added. Bloodworms and foods containing mammalian meat should be avoided.

A peaceful and somewhat shy mbuna; it is bullied when kept with aggressive species. It forms a balanced community with species of similar temperament and different colors.

Good companions: calm mbuna such as the rusty cichlid, yellow-tail acei, maingano and saulosi, Synodontis catfish suited to hard water.

Avoid: aggressive, barred species such as demasoni and zebra mbuna, the yellow lab and other Labidochromis species (hybridization), large mbuna, haps, community fish, shrimp.