Saulosi cichlid

The saulosi cichlid is a mbuna of the family Cichlidae, endemic to Taiwan Reef in Lake Malawi, East Africa. It is notable for pronounced sexual dichromatism: dominant males are bright blue with dark vertical bars, while females and juveniles are a solid yellow-orange. It is an active, territorial rock-dweller but comparatively less aggressive than many mbuna, especially when kept in a proper group of one or a few males with several females. Keeping numbers up and providing ample rockwork helps spread aggression and maintains the vivid coloration. A Malawi-style aquarium with hard, alkaline water and abundant rock piles forming caves and territories suits it best. Its natural diet is aufwuchs, so feeding should emphasize vegetable- and spirulina-based foods, avoiding excessive protein that can cause digestive issues. It is a maternal mouthbrooder, the female holding eggs and fry in her mouth for several weeks.