Labeotropheus trewavasae Red Top

Labeotropheus trewavasae Red Top is one of the most recognisable forms of the Scraper Mbuna, a species named in honour of the celebrated British ichthyologist Ethelwynn Trewavas. The species is characterised by a strongly downturned, blunt snout that allows it to press its mouth tightly against rock surfaces for aufwuchs grazing. The Red Top form displays a vivid blue body with a contrasting red-orange dorsal fin.

Labeotropheus trewavasae is widely distributed around Lake Malawi with numerous colour forms — Red Top, OB, and various locality forms — each varying slightly in dorsal fin colour and body intensity. The species is robust and highly territorial, among the more aggressive mbuna in the hobby.

In the aquarium, L. trewavasae Red Top is a durable and colourful species that does well in standard mbuna setups. Its downturned mouth means it grazes constantly on algae-covered surfaces, making it an effective tank clean-up species. Providing flat-topped or slightly angled rocks encourages natural foraging behaviour. Keep as a harem with one male.

Water: 24-28°C, pH 7.8-8.5, hard alkaline; tolerant of a range of conditions; robust starter mbuna. Tank: 250L minimum; large flat rocks and angled surfaces for natural scraping behaviour. Feeding: Herbivore diet — spirulina pellets, algae wafers, Nori; the unique snout shape makes pellet feeding easy. Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder; clutch of 15-25 eggs; multiple colour forms exist in the trade. Compatibility: Aggressive species; house with robust mbuna only; keep one male to multiple females.