Afra Cobue Cichlid

Cynotilapia afra 'Cobue' is a small, slender mbuna cichlid endemic to the rocky shoreline around the Cobue area of Lake Malawi in Mozambique. Males display deep royal blue colouration with subtle dark barring and distinctive yellow egg-spot markings on the anal fin, while females are a more muted grey-blue. Compared to many mbuna species, Cynotilapia afra is considered somewhat less aggressive and more manageable in aquaria, though it remains a typical mbuna in temperament. In the wild it occupies the intermediate zone between the rocky and sandy areas of the lake, feeding on algae, small invertebrates, and zooplankton. The species is a maternal mouthbrooder — females incubate eggs and fry in their mouths for 3–4 weeks.

House in a rocky Malawi-style aquarium of at least 200 litres with heavy rockwork providing territories and hiding spaces. Keep one male with two or more females to distribute aggression. Maintain hard, alkaline water (pH 7.8–8.5, GH 10–20). Feed spirulina-based foods, small pellets, and occasional frozen mysis. Perform weekly water changes of 20–25%.