Metriaclima aurora 'Chitande'

Metriaclima aurora 'Chitande' is a locale-specific form of M. aurora collected from the rocky shores of Chitande Island in the southern basin of Lake Malawi. Males display an intense electric-blue body overlaid with three to five black vertical bars, creating a dramatic contrast that intensifies during dominance displays. Females and subdominant males are drab brownish-grey, providing excellent camouflage against rocky substrate.

Like all mbuna, this species is highly territorial and best managed in a species tank or a mixed-mbuna setup with sufficient rockwork. Harems of one male to three or more females are recommended to spread aggression. As a maternal mouthbrooder, the female incubates eggs and fry in her buccal cavity for approximately three weeks before releasing free-swimming juveniles. A robust filtration system is essential given the high protein waste these cichlids generate.