Pseudocrenilabrus multicolor

Pseudocrenilabrus multicolor, commonly called the Egyptian Mouthbrooder or Dwarf Egyptian Mouthbrooder, is one of the most adaptable and widely distributed small cichlids in Africa, native to the Nile system including the Lake Victoria drainage. Males are brilliantly coloured in blue-green with red-orange and yellow accents; females are more subdued but display characteristic yellow belly colouration when gravid.

This is one of the most accessible African cichlid species for beginners, tolerating a wide range of water conditions from soft acidic to hard alkaline. It is a maternal mouthbrooder with a rapid breeding cycle, making it an excellent species for aquarists learning mouthbrooder husbandry. Fry are released at a small but free-swimming size and grow rapidly on baby brine shrimp and crushed flake.

Despite its small size, P. multicolor males can be territorial and should be provided with adequate shelter and space. A species tank or a community with similarly sized, non-cichlid tankmates works well for this charming little cichlid.

Water: 20-27°C, pH 6.5-8.5, soft to hard; highly adaptable; standard water changes. Tank: 80L minimum; planted or rocky; hiding spots for females essential. Feeding: Small cichlid pellets, crushed flakes, frozen baby brine shrimp; small and frequent meals. Breeding: Easy maternal mouthbrooder; short incubation; good beginner breeder. Compatibility: Species tank or small peaceful community; avoid aggressive cichlids.