Chewere Mbuna
Cynotilapia sp. 'Chewere'
Also known as: Chewere Mbuna, Chewere Dogtooth
Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa
Water Parameters
Quick Stats
- Max Size
- 9 cm
- Min Tank
- 150 L
- Lifespan
- 6-10
- Swimming Level
- middle
- Schooling
- No
- Diet
- omnivore
- Temperament
- semi-aggressive; territorial males toward conspecifics and similar-patterned mbuna
About
The Chewere Mbuna is a geographically isolated population of the Cynotilapia complex found at the Chewere reef in Lake Malawi. Males display particularly vibrant cobalt-blue colouration with crisp black vertical bars, making this form highly sought after among mbuna specialists. Husbandry is identical to other Cynotilapia afra variants.
Care Guide
Water: 24-27°C, pH 7.8-9.0, hard alkaline water; regular partial water changes to maintain quality. Tank: Minimum 150L; heavily stacked rockwork with multiple cave entrances per male territory. Feeding: Spirulina-based pellets, algae-based flake, and occasional frozen brine shrimp or mysis. Behaviour: Territorial males; maintain 1 male to 3+ females ratio to reduce female harassment. Compatibility: Mbuna community; avoid similar blue-barred species to prevent excessive aggression.
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