Yellow Tail Acei

The acei is an mbuna that has not yet been scientifically described and is therefore referred to as "Pseudotropheus sp.". With its purple-blue body and bright yellow tail it is easy to pick out in the aquarium; the "Ngara" form has a yellow tail and the "Msuli" form a whitish tail. Unlike other mbuna it is not tightly bound to the rocks and roams open water in groups.

Its temperament is one of the mildest among the mbuna: males display to each other but rarely get into serious fights. This makes it a good choice for those who want to set up a calm mbuna community.

• Acei Ngara (yellow tail): Purple-blue body, bright yellow tail; the most commonly sold form.
• Acei Msuli (white tail): Similar body color, whitish tail and fin edges.

It lives on the northern and eastern shores of Lake Malawi, around tree trunks that have fallen onto sandy areas and around reed beds. It feeds by scraping the algae layer off the surface of these trees and plant stems. It has been observed migrating in groups from one trunk to another.

• Volume: Because it swims in groups and reaches 13 cm, at least 300 liters and 150 cm of length are recommended.
• Layout: A wide open swimming area next to piles of rock; a few thick pieces of wood recall its natural habitat.
• Water: Hard and alkaline (pH 7.8–8.5); aragonite substrate or Malawi salt.
• Maintenance: A strong filter and a 30–50% water change every week.

Herbivorous. Spirulina-based mbuna food and vegetables should be the staple. Animal-based foods should be given in small amounts and only occasionally; bloodworms and high-protein foods lead to Malawi bloat.

A social species that feels safe in a large group. Males court females rather than setting up distinct territories. It can be bullied when kept with aggressive mbuna; it does best with species of mild temperament.

Good companions: Labidochromis yellow, saulosi, socolofi, rusty cichlid, maingano, synodontis catfish suited to hard water.

Avoid: very aggressive mbuna such as kenyi, elongatus and auratus, large predatory haplochromines, community fish, shrimp and snails.

• Group: At least 5, preferably 8 or more individuals; its schooling behavior is only seen in a large group.
• Ratio: 2–3 females per male is enough; in aquariums over 300 liters several males can be kept together.
• Mixing forms: The Ngara and Msuli forms can hybridize with each other; if a pure line is wanted, they are kept apart.

A mouthbrooder that breeds easily in the aquarium. The male calls the female to an open area; the female takes the eggs into her mouth and they are fertilized via the egg spots on the male's anal fin. The female carries 10–30 eggs for about 3 weeks. The fry quickly join the group but may be eaten by adults in the first weeks.

• Malawi bloat: Too much animal-based food and stress.
• Bullying: When kept with aggressive species its color fades and its tail fin gets torn.
• Hole in the head: Associated with long periods of insufficient water changes and a monotonous diet.

The sexes are similar in color. Males are larger, more intensely colored and longer-finned, and carry distinct egg spots on the anal fin. Females are slightly paler. A definite distinction is made by looking at the genital papilla.