Native Region:

• Lake Malawi, East Africa

Natural Habitat:

• Open waters and intermediate zones with sandy bottoms

• Found swimming in schools or solitary in deeper regions of the lake

Size:

• Grows up to 12–14 inches (30–35 cm) in captivity

• One of the larger Haplochromines from Lake Malawi

Coloration:

• Males: Metallic blue body with a prominent dark stripe running along the back (hence “nototaenia,” meaning “back stripe”)

• Females: Silver to gray with a subtler version of the stripe

Body Shape:

• Streamlined and built for speed

• Large, powerful jaws for catching smaller fish

Temperament:

• Aggressive and predatory—not suited for peaceful or small community tanks

• Will hunt or harass smaller tank mates

Social Behavior:

• Can be housed alone, in pairs, or in large aggressive Malawi Hap setups

• Males are highly territorial during breeding

Tank Size:

• Minimum 125 gallons, ideally 180+ gallons for a group or mixed predator tank

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)

• pH: 7.8–8.6

• Hardness: Moderate to hard water

Tank Setup:

• Substrate: Sandy bottom preferred

• Decor: Open swimming space with rock structures or caves on the sides

• Filtration: Strong filtration and regular water changes are necessary due to their high-protein diet

Carnivorous (Piscivore):

• In the wild, feeds on smaller fish, crustaceans, and insect larvae

Best Foods in Captivity:

• High-protein predator pellets

• Frozen or fresh foods: Krill, shrimp, silversides, and white fish

• Avoid high-fat feeder fish long term—use only quarantined or as treats

Feeding Schedule:

• Feed once or twice daily in moderate portions

Reproductive Strategy:

• Maternal mouthbrooder

• Males display bright colors and court females near rock piles or pits

• Females carry the eggs/fry for about 3 weeks

Fry Care:

• Fry should be removed if rearing is desired—adults may eat them if left in the main tank

Compatible With:

• Other large Malawi Haps and predators such as Buccochromis rhoadesii, Aristochromis christyi, Fossorochromis rostratus

• Large Synodontis catfish or armored plecos

Avoid:

• Small fish (will be eaten)

• Mbuna (can be too aggressive or stressed by Bucco's size)

Native Region:

• Lake Malawi, East Africa

Natural Habitat:

• Open waters and intermediate zones with sandy bottoms

• Found swimming in schools or solitary in deeper regions of the lake

Size:

• Grows up to 12–14 inches (30–35 cm) in captivity

• One of the larger Haplochromines from Lake Malawi

Coloration:

• Males: Metallic blue body with a prominent dark stripe running along the back (hence “nototaenia,” meaning “back stripe”)

• Females: Silver to gray with a subtler version of the stripe

Body Shape:

• Streamlined and built for speed

• Large, powerful jaws for catching smaller fish

Temperament:

• Aggressive and predatory—not suited for peaceful or small community tanks

• Will hunt or harass smaller tank mates

Social Behavior:

• Can be housed alone, in pairs, or in large aggressive Malawi Hap setups

• Males are highly territorial during breeding

Tank Size:

• Minimum 125 gallons, ideally 180+ gallons for a group or mixed predator tank

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)

• pH: 7.8–8.6

• Hardness: Moderate to hard water

Tank Setup:

• Substrate: Sandy bottom preferred

• Decor: Open swimming space with rock structures or caves on the sides

• Filtration: Strong filtration and regular water changes are necessary due to their high-protein diet

Carnivorous (Piscivore):

• In the wild, feeds on smaller fish, crustaceans, and insect larvae

Best Foods in Captivity:

• High-protein predator pellets

• Frozen or fresh foods: Krill, shrimp, silversides, and white fish

• Avoid high-fat feeder fish long term—use only quarantined or as treats

Feeding Schedule:

• Feed once or twice daily in moderate portions

Reproductive Strategy:

• Maternal mouthbrooder

• Males display bright colors and court females near rock piles or pits

• Females carry the eggs/fry for about 3 weeks

Fry Care:

• Fry should be removed if rearing is desired—adults may eat them if left in the main tank

Compatible With:

• Other large Malawi Haps and predators such as Buccochromis rhoadesii, Aristochromis christyi, Fossorochromis rostratus

• Large Synodontis catfish or armored plecos

Avoid:

• Small fish (will be eaten)

• Mbuna (can be too aggressive or stressed by Bucco's size)