Native Region:

• Mpimbwe, located along the Tanzanian coast of Lake Tanganyika, East Africa

Natural Habitat:

• Lives at depths of 50–100 feet (15–30 meters) in rocky, dimly lit environments

• Typically found in large schools, foraging for small fish and crustaceans

Size:

• Males can reach 12–14 inches (30–35 cm)

• Females are smaller, around 8–10 inches (20–25 cm)

Coloration:

• Steel blue to icy blue body with six bold black vertical bars

• Slightly lighter blue hues than the Zaire Blue variant

• Males develop a large nuchal hump and elongated fins

Lifespan:

• Can live 15–20 years with proper care

Temperament:

• Peaceful to moderately aggressive—gentler than most African cichlids

• Males may be territorial with one another, but not excessively aggressive

Social Behavior:

• Best kept in groups of 5–8 or more to diffuse aggression

• Will establish a social hierarchy in the tank

Minimum Tank Size:

• 125 gallons for a small group

• 180+ gallons preferred for larger groups or mixed Tanganyikan tanks

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 76–80°F (24–27°C)

• pH: 7.8–9.0

• Hardness: 10–20 dGH

Tank Setup:

• Substrate: Sand or smooth gravel

• Décor: Large rock piles, caves, and overhangs

• Open space for slow cruising

• Dim lighting preferred to mimic natural depth conditions

• Strong filtration required; these fish produce waste and need stable water

Feeding Type: Carnivorous

In the Wild:

• Feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and benthic invertebrates

In Captivity:

• Staple: High-quality cichlid pellets (slow-sinking)

• Supplements:

  • Frozen krill, shrimp, silversides, bloodworms

  • Occasional earthworms or other protein-rich treats

Feeding Frequency:

• Once or twice daily—avoid overfeeding fatty or low-quality foods

Maternal Mouthbrooder:

• Males dig shallow spawning pits and court females

• Females hold fertilized eggs in their mouths for 3–4 weeks

• Fry should be separated after release to avoid predation

Breeding Tank:

• Provide flat rocks or caves for spawning

• Keep water clean and stable to encourage spawning behavior

Compatible With:

• Other Tanganyikan cichlids like:

  • Altolamprologus calvus, Julidochromis, Cyprichromis, and synodontis catfish

Avoid:

• Aggressive Mbuna or predator Haps

• Small or fragile fish—can be harassed or eaten

Native Region:

• Mpimbwe, located along the Tanzanian coast of Lake Tanganyika, East Africa

Natural Habitat:

• Lives at depths of 50–100 feet (15–30 meters) in rocky, dimly lit environments

• Typically found in large schools, foraging for small fish and crustaceans

Size:

• Males can reach 12–14 inches (30–35 cm)

• Females are smaller, around 8–10 inches (20–25 cm)

Coloration:

• Steel blue to icy blue body with six bold black vertical bars

• Slightly lighter blue hues than the Zaire Blue variant

• Males develop a large nuchal hump and elongated fins

Lifespan:

• Can live 15–20 years with proper care

Temperament:

• Peaceful to moderately aggressive—gentler than most African cichlids

• Males may be territorial with one another, but not excessively aggressive

Social Behavior:

• Best kept in groups of 5–8 or more to diffuse aggression

• Will establish a social hierarchy in the tank

Minimum Tank Size:

• 125 gallons for a small group

• 180+ gallons preferred for larger groups or mixed Tanganyikan tanks

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 76–80°F (24–27°C)

• pH: 7.8–9.0

• Hardness: 10–20 dGH

Tank Setup:

• Substrate: Sand or smooth gravel

• Décor: Large rock piles, caves, and overhangs

• Open space for slow cruising

• Dim lighting preferred to mimic natural depth conditions

• Strong filtration required; these fish produce waste and need stable water

Feeding Type: Carnivorous

In the Wild:

• Feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and benthic invertebrates

In Captivity:

• Staple: High-quality cichlid pellets (slow-sinking)

• Supplements:

  • Frozen krill, shrimp, silversides, bloodworms

  • Occasional earthworms or other protein-rich treats

Feeding Frequency:

• Once or twice daily—avoid overfeeding fatty or low-quality foods

Maternal Mouthbrooder:

• Males dig shallow spawning pits and court females

• Females hold fertilized eggs in their mouths for 3–4 weeks

• Fry should be separated after release to avoid predation

Breeding Tank:

• Provide flat rocks or caves for spawning

• Keep water clean and stable to encourage spawning behavior

Compatible With:

• Other Tanganyikan cichlids like:

  • Altolamprologus calvus, Julidochromis, Cyprichromis, and synodontis catfish

Avoid:

• Aggressive Mbuna or predator Haps

• Small or fragile fish—can be harassed or eaten