Cynotilapia sp. 'Lion Cove'

Cynotilapia sp. 'Lion Cove' is an undescribed species or highly distinct population of Cynotilapia from Lion Cove, a locality on the eastern shoreline of Lake Malawi. Males display vivid blue colouration with pronounced dark barring, while females are cryptically coloured in tan-grey. The Lion Cove population is regarded by collectors for its clean colouration and well-defined markings compared to common tank-bred afra.

As a Cynotilapia, it shares the genus's unicuspid dentition, which allows it to take small zooplankton in addition to scraping algae — giving it a slightly omnivorous dietary preference compared to most mbuna. It is territorial and should be managed in harem groups in spacious, rock-structured tanks. Maternal mouthbrooding females incubate eggs and fry for 21–28 days. Hard, alkaline water matching Lake Malawi chemistry is essential for long-term health.

Water: 24–28°C, pH 7.8–8.5, hard (GH 10–25, KH 6–15); alkaline water with Rift Lake salts if tap water is soft. Tank: 200 L minimum with stacked rockwork; some open midwater space preferred by this midwater swimmer. Feeding: Spirulina flake as the base; supplement with Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and cyclops for dietary variety. Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder; female broods 21–28 days; separate to a nursery tank after release. Compatibility: Keep in mixed mbuna setups away from significantly larger or more aggressive species; avoid mixing Lion Cove with other Cynotilapia locales.