Afra cichlid (Cobue)

The Afra cichlid is a mbuna from the rocky shores of Lake Malawi, with the Cobue population showing brilliant blue males barred in black and drab silvery females. In the wild it hovers in the water column near rocks feeding on plankton and biofilm, so it is best described as an omnivore leaning toward vegetable matter; avoid protein-rich foods that cause bloat. It is territorial and aggressive, especially breeding males, and does best in a harem of one male to several females within a busy mbuna community that spreads aggression. Provide hard, alkaline water, plenty of piled rockwork with caves, and a fine substrate. A maternal mouthbrooder, it breeds readily. Robust once established, but overstocking and correct male-to-female ratios are key to managing its temperament.