Thick Bar Sunshine Cichlid

hick Bar Chitimba (Petrotilapia sp.) are a large species of mbuna that live only in Chitimba Bay in the northwest side of Lake Malawi. Their habitat includes large sandstone slabs that are covered in sand, which they sift through to find food. Males guard large territories over a slab, and females are allowed to swim throughout the territories holding and protecting fry.

Males color up a bright blue, with navy bands visible and yellow unpaired fins. These fish work well in most mbuna set-ups, though their size requires a tank larger than 55 gallons for full growth and comfort.

• Species – Petrotilapia chitimba
• Common Name – Thick bar cichlid, Sunshine Cichlid
• Origin – Lake Malawi
• Diet – Omnivore/Herbivore
• PH Range – Alkaline 7.5 – 8.5
• Water Type – Hard
• Temperature – Tropical 24°c
• Breed Type – Mouth brooder
• Maximum Size – approximately 15cm
• Sex – Un-sexed