Nyererei Cichlid 'Makobe Island'

Pundamilia nyererei 'Makobe Island' is a locality variant of the iconic nyererei cichlid endemic to the rocky shores of Makobe Island in the southern Tanzanian section of Lake Victoria. Males in peak condition develop a saturated red-orange body and metallic blue-green head, while females remain cryptically coloured in silver-brown. This species belongs to the superfluous species flock of Lake Victoria, one of the most dramatic examples of rapid adaptive radiation in vertebrate evolution.

In the aquarium, males are intensely territorial and should be kept one per tank unless the display is very large. A ratio of one male to two or three females distributes aggression effectively and encourages natural mouthbrooding behaviour. Rocky décor replicating the shallow littoral zone is recommended, with open sandy areas between rock piles.

Makobe Island nyererei are robust feeders that accept high-quality cichlid pellets, frozen foods, and vegetable matter. Water quality must be maintained carefully as Victorian cichlids are susceptible to bloat if protein-heavy diets are fed without plant-based supplementation.

Water: 22-27°C, pH 7.0-8.5, moderately hard; perform 25-30% water changes weekly. Tank: 150L minimum; rocky structures with caves and open sand between territories. Feeding: Quality cichlid pellets, spirulina flakes, frozen mysis and brine shrimp; supplement vegetable matter to prevent bloat. Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder; females hold 10-20 eggs for 3 weeks; remove after release. Compatibility: Victorian species tank only; one male per tank unless 300L+; avoid mixing with mbuna.