African Cichlid – Mpanga Cichlid – 5cm

Elongatus Mpanga Cichlid: A Bold and Beautiful Mbuna

The Elongatus Mpanga Cichlid (Pseudotropheus elongatus “Mpanga”) is a stunning fish from Lake Malawi. Its dark blue body, highlighted with bright electric blue stripes, makes it stand out in any aquarium. Known for its active behaviour, this cichlid is perfect for aquarists who enjoy colourful and lively tanks.

Size and Lifespan

These cichlids grow up to 10–12 cm, with males being slightly larger and more colourful than females. When cared for properly, they can live for 6–8 years. Their vibrant appearance and lively personality make them a rewarding addition to your tank.

Tank Size and Setup

To keep Elongatus Mpanga Cichlids happy, you’ll need a tank of at least 200 liters. They prefer water temperatures of 24°C–28°C and a pH range of 7.8–8.6. Add sandy substrates, rocks, and caves to recreate their natural Lake Malawi habitat. These features give them places to hide and claim as their territory, reducing stress and aggression.

Tank Mates

Elongatus Mpanga Cichlids are moderately aggressive, especially males. They do well with other strong Mbuna species, such as Yellow Labs and Red Zebras. Avoid pairing them with timid or small fish, as these might get bullied. Keeping a ratio of one male to three females can help reduce aggression in the tank.

Feeding Elongatus Mpanga Cichlids

These cichlids are herbivores and need a diet rich in plant-based foods. Offer spirulina flakes and vegetable-based cichlid pellets daily. You can also give them treats like blanched spinach or zucchini occasionally. Avoid high-protein foods like bloodworms, as they can cause health issues. A good diet will keep their colours bright and their health strong.

Breeding Elongatus Mpanga Cichlids

Breeding is straightforward in a well-prepared tank. Males create territories and show off their colours to attract females. Females carry the eggs in their mouths for about 18–25 days. Once the fry are released, provide them with finely crushed spirulina flakes or baby brine shrimp to help them grow. A separate tank for breeding can increase the survival rate of the fry.

FAQs

How big do Elongatus Mpanga Cichlids get?
They grow to 10–12 cm, with males being slightly larger than females.

Are they aggressive?
Yes, they can be moderately aggressive, especially during breeding.

What tank mates are best?
Strong Mbuna species like Yellow Labs, Red Zebras, and Rusty Cichlids are good companions.

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

How do you breed them?
Provide rocky areas for spawning. Females carry the eggs in their mouths for 18–25 days before releasing fry.

Species Overview

• Species: Pseudotropheus elongatus “Mpanga”
• Common Name: Elongatus Mpanga Cichlid
• Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa
• Diet: Herbivore
• PH Range: 7.8–8.6
• Temperature: 24°C–28°C
• Max Size: Up to 12 cm
• Tank Size: Minimum 200 liters