Blue Victoria Mouthbrooder

Astatotilapia nubila is a small, adaptable haplochromine from the Lake Victoria basin and surrounding rivers and satellite lakes. Dominant males turn an intense blackish-blue with red-tinged fins and egg spots, while females and subdominant males are silvery-grey. It is a maternal mouthbrooder and a spirited, sometimes pushy species best kept as a harem of one male with three or more females in a tank of at least 150 litres. Aquascape with rocks, roots and open swimming space, and pair it with other Victorian cichlids of similar temperament. Maintain hard, alkaline water at 22-27°C, pH 7.5-8.5. An omnivore in nature, it accepts cichlid pellets, flakes, spirulina and frozen foods; keep vegetable content high and protein moderate to avoid digestive problems.