Nyererei Cichlid 'Ruti Island'

Pundamilia nyererei 'Ruti Island' is sourced from Ruti Island in the Tanzanian portion of Lake Victoria. Males exhibit a gradient colouration with deep red along the dorsal surface fading into a warm yellow-orange belly, overlaid with metallic blue reflections on the face and gill cover. This smoother colour transition gives the Ruti form a slightly different aesthetic compared to the sharper demarcation seen in Makobe or Python Island variants.

Like all nyererei forms, Ruti Island cichlids are maternal mouthbrooders and highly polygamous in their natural habitat. In the aquarium, one male kept with two to three females per 150 litres maintains breeding activity while controlling male aggression through divided female attention.

Ruti Island nyererei are not difficult feeders and accept most cichlid staple diets. Their primary care challenge is maintaining low aggression through adequate space and décor, and ensuring water quality remains stable with regular partial water changes.

Water: 22-27°C, pH 7.0-8.5, moderately hard; 25% weekly changes maintain clarity and chemistry. Tank: 150L minimum; rocky décor providing multiple cave territories and visual breaks. Feeding: Cichlid pellets, spirulina-based flakes, mysis shrimp, and occasional vegetable matter. Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder; females hold fry for ~3 weeks; feed fry crushed flake. Compatibility: Victorian species only; do not mix locality forms to maintain genetic integrity.