African Cichlid – Blue Lips Cichlid (Pseudotropheus sp. “williamsi north”) 8-10cm

Blue Lip Cichlid: A Stunning Mbuna from Lake Malawi

The Blue Lip Cichlid (Pseudotropheus williamsi), also known as the Williamsi Blue Lip, is a captivating Mbuna cichlid from the rocky shores of Lake Malawi. Renowned for its vibrant blue lips and bold colouration, this cichlid is a striking addition to any African cichlid aquarium. Its territorial nature and unique appearance make it a favourite among Mbuna enthusiasts.

Size and Lifespan

Blue Lip Cichlids grow to an average size of 12–15 cm, with males being larger and more vibrantly coloured than females. With proper care, they can live for 6–8 years, offering long-lasting activity and beauty in your aquarium.

Tank Size and Requirements

A minimum tank size of 200 liters is recommended for a single Blue Lip Cichlid, with larger tanks required for mixed Mbuna setups. They thrive in water temperatures of 24°C–28°C and a pH range of 7.8–8.6. Use rocky structures with plenty of hiding spots to mimic their natural habitat, and maintain a sandy substrate to reduce wear on their fins and mouths.

Tank Mates

Mbuna Cichlids are territorial, especially males, but can coexist with other robust Mbuna species such as Yellow Labs, Red Zebras, and Auratus Cichlids. Avoid housing them with timid or significantly smaller fish, as they may become targets of aggression. A proper male-to-female ratio and sufficient hiding spaces help reduce conflicts and promote harmony in the tank.

Feeding Blue Lips Cichlids

These cichlids are primarily herbivorous and thrive on a plant-based diet. Provide high-quality spirulina flakes or vegetable-based cichlid pellets as their staple diet. Supplement with occasional blanched vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or peas. Avoid high-protein foods like bloodworms, as these can lead to digestive issues. A balanced diet enhances their health and maintains their vivid colours.

Breeding Blue Lip Cichlids

Breeding is possible in a well-maintained and spacious tank. Males establish territories and court females by displaying their vibrant colours and performing mating dances. Females are maternal mouthbrooders, carrying fertilized eggs for 18–25 days until the fry are ready to swim. Provide flat rocks or caves to encourage spawning. Fry can be fed finely crushed spirulina flakes or baby brine shrimp for optimal growth.

FAQs

How big do Blue Lip Cichlids get?
They grow to 12–15 cm, with males being slightly larger than females.

Are they aggressive?
They are territorial and moderately aggressive, especially during breeding. Proper tank setup helps manage their behaviour.

What tank mates are suitable?
Other robust Mbuna species such as Yellow Labs, Red Zebras, and Auratus Cichlids are ideal.

What do they eat?
They thrive on spirulina flakes, vegetable-based cichlid pellets, and blanched vegetables like spinach and zucchini.

How do you breed Blue Lip Cichlids?
Provide rocky areas for spawning. Females mouthbrood eggs for 18–25 days before releasing fry.

How can you tell males and females apart?
Males are larger with brighter colours and pronounced blue lips, while females are smaller and less vividly coloured.

Species Overview

• Species: Pseudotropheus williamsi
• Common Name: Blue Lip Cichlid, Williamsi Blue Lip
• Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa
• Diet: Herbivore
• PH Range: 7.8–8.6
• Temperature: 24°C–28°C
• Max Size: Up to 15 cm
• Tank Size: Minimum 200 liters