Labidochromis vellicans

Labidochromis vellicans is a slender, elongated mbuna whose body shape is notably more streamlined than many of its relatives. The white to pale yellow body bears a clean, bold black horizontal stripe running from eye to caudal fin. This elongated form and the species' characteristic 'vellicans' (plucking) feeding behaviour — using the pointed jaw to pluck invertebrates from crevices — set it apart from other Labidochromis.

Found across a range of rocky habitats on the western shore of Lake Malawi, Labidochromis vellicans is an opportunistic feeder that supplements its aufwuchs diet with small crustaceans, worms, and insect larvae. It is more active in the water column than some other mbuna, patrolling larger territories.

In the aquarium this species is moderately aggressive and territorial. A group of one male with two to three females provides the best social dynamic. The species' slender body and elegant patterning make it visually distinctive in a mixed mbuna community, providing a nice contrast to stockier mbuna species.