Red Top Hongi

The hongi is a Labidochromis species from Hongi Island off the coast of Tanzania that has not yet been given a scientific name. In mature males the light blue body combines with an orange-red area running from the top of the head to the dorsal fin; this is where the hobby name "red top" comes from. Females are brownish-orange in tone and plain. Like its relative the yellow lab, it is slender and picks small creatures from rock crevices.

• At least 250 liters and 120 cm in length for a harem and other mbuna.
• Rockwork with many 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 feeds on insect larvae and small crustaceans in rock crevices. A quality cichlid pellet and a spirulina-based food are given in rotation; brine shrimp and mysis can be added a few times a week.

Males are territorial toward males of their own species and other red-backed mbuna; toward other species they are moderately aggressive.

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

Avoid: the yellow lab and other Labidochromis species (hybridization), red-backed mbuna, very aggressive large mbuna, haps, community fish, shrimp.