Pundamilia sp. 'Makobe Island'

Pundamilia sp. 'Makobe Island' is an undescribed cichlid co-occurring with P. nyererei at Makobe Island and is distinguished from it by a broader yellow chest region and subtly different blue facial patterning. Genetic studies conducted as part of the broader Lake Victoria cichlid radiation research have confirmed this form is reproductively isolated from nyererei despite inhabiting the same rocky zone, making hybridisation a genuine concern when keeping both forms.

In the aquarium, this species exhibits typical Pundamilia behaviour: territorial males, maternal mouthbrooding, and a preference for rocky environments with clear territory boundaries. It is best maintained in a dedicated Victorian species tank housing only one male per distinct colour form.

Capably kept by aquarists with intermediate experience in cichlid care, this species offers both visual appeal and the intellectual interest of maintaining a species at the frontier of taxonomic description — a living piece of evolutionary biology.

Water: 22-27°C, pH 7.0-8.5, moderately hard; 25% weekly water changes. Tank: 150L+; rocky décor replicating shallow Tanzanian shoreline. Feeding: Cichlid pellets, spirulina flakes, mysis shrimp; rotate foods for balanced nutrition. Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder; never house with P. nyererei 'Makobe Island' to prevent hybridisation. Compatibility: Victorian species tank; visually distinct companions only.