Msobo Cichlid

The msobo is a Maylandia species found along the Tanzanian coast that has not yet been scientifically described. All fry are born yellow-orange; females keep this color, while males turn dark navy or black as they mature, and light blue bars appear on their bodies. Much like the saulosi and johanni, it forms a harem that looks as if two separate species were in the same aquarium. It has the typical temperament of the zebra group: males are territorial.

• At least 250 liters and 120 cm in length for a harem and other mbuna.
• Rockwork with plenty of caves; many crevices where the yellow females can hide.
• Hard and alkaline water (pH 7.8–8.5); aragonite substrate or Malawi salt.
• Strong filtration and weekly 30–50% water changes.

Herbivorous. A spirulina-rich mbuna food and vegetables should be the staple; bloodworms and high-protein foods should be avoided. Feed sparingly, 1–2 times a day.

Males are aggressive toward other males of their own species and toward fish with dark blue bars. Because the yellow females can be confused with yellow species such as the yellow lab, having these species in the same aquarium can increase fighting.

Good companions: mbuna of different colors such as red zebra, cobalt blue zebra, yellow-tail acei and rusty cichlid, Synodontis catfish suited to hard water.

Avoid: dark-barred species such as demasoni and saulosi, yellow Labidochromis, other Maylandia species (hybridization), haps, community fish, shrimp.