Cynotilapia afra Cobue

Cynotilapia afra Cobue is a highly sought locality form of the Dogtooth Cichlid, named for its unusual unicuspid (single-cusped) teeth adapted for feeding on plankton in the water column. The Cobue population is particularly vivid, with males displaying intense electric-blue body colouration and a contrasting orange to orange-yellow dorsal fin. Females are silvery-grey with faint barring.

Cynotilapia afra is distributed widely along both Malawi and Mozambique shores of the lake, but different locality populations show variation in dorsal fin colour intensity and body colouration. The Cobue population, collected from Mozambique opposite Likoma Island, is among the most striking and consistently colourful.

In the aquarium this species benefits from mid-water open space above a rocky substrate. Less aggressive than most mbuna, it can coexist with peacock cichlids and smaller haps, making it a versatile choice for builders of mixed Malawi communities. Regular frozen food supplementation is important to replicate its planktivorous natural diet.

Water: 24-28°C, pH 7.8-8.5, hard alkaline; excellent filtration; sensitive to ammonia spikes. Tank: 180L minimum; open water column above rocky base; avoid over-decoration that limits swimming space. Feeding: Planktivore diet — frozen cyclops, artemia, Daphnia; spirulina pellets for plant-based nutrition. Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder; 10-15 eggs per clutch; females benefit from isolation during brooding. Compatibility: Among the least aggressive mbuna; ideal with peacocks, smaller haps, and other Cynotilapia.