African Cichlid – Lawsi – 6-7cm

Lawsi Cichlid: A Rare and Stunning Fish

The Lawsi Cichlid (Gehrochromis lawsi) is a rare and beautiful freshwater fish from Lake Malawi. With its shimmering colours and sleek body, this fish adds something special to any aquarium. Its hardy nature and manageable size make it a great choice for aquarists who want a unique and eye-catching addition to their tank.

Size and Lifespan

Lawsi Cichlids grow to about 10–12 cm, making them ideal for medium-sized tanks. With proper care, they can live for 6–8 years. This makes them a long-lasting and rewarding choice for aquarists who want a vibrant and active fish.

Tank Size and Setup

A tank of at least 150 liters is a must for these active swimmers. They prefer water temperatures between 24°C–28°C and a pH range of 7.8–8.6. Add rocks, caves, and sandy substrates to create hiding places and replicate their natural Lake Malawi habitat. A well-structured tank helps reduce stress and encourages their natural behaviours.

Tank Mates

Lawsi Cichlids are moderately aggressive, especially during breeding. However, they can live peacefully with other cichlids of similar temperament. Good tank mates include Peacock Cichlids, Haps, and non-aggressive Mbuna. Avoid keeping them with overly aggressive or much larger fish to keep the tank calm. Adding plenty of hiding spots helps reduce any territorial disputes.

Feeding Lawsi Cichlids

These cichlids are omnivores and need a varied diet. Feed them high-quality cichlid pellets or flakes as their main food. To boost their health and colours, offer treats like live or frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, or krill. Occasionally adding vegetable-based foods such as spirulina flakes or blanched zucchini ensures they get a balanced diet and stay in top shape.

Breeding Lawsi Cichlids

Breeding is possible if the tank is well-maintained. Males show off bright colours and create territories to attract females. Females are mouthbrooders, carrying eggs for 18–25 days until fry are released. Provide sandy areas or flat rocks for spawning, and use a separate breeding tank to protect the fry. Feed the young fish finely crushed flakes or baby brine shrimp for healthy growth.

FAQs

How big do Lawsi Cichlids get?
They grow to 10–12 cm, which makes them great for medium-sized tanks.

Are they aggressive?
They can be moderately aggressive, especially during breeding, but they are manageable with the right tank setup.

What tank mates are suitable?
Peacock Cichlids, Haps, and non-aggressive Mbuna are excellent companions.

What do they eat?
They thrive on cichlid pellets, live or frozen foods, and occasional vegetable-based options like spirulina flakes.

How do they breed?
They are maternal mouthbrooders. Males court females, and fry are released after 18–25 days.

Species Overview

• Species: Gehrochromis lawsi
• Common Name: Lawsi Cichlid
• Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa
• Diet: Omnivore
• PH Range: 7.8–8.6
• Temperature: 24°C–28°C
• Max Size: Up to 12 cm
• Tank Size: Minimum 150 liters