Jalo reef cichlid

Formerly grouped with Cynotilapia afra, the Jalo Reef cichlid is a distinct mbuna from Lake Malawi where males display a striking light-blue body crossed by dark vertical bars and females are plainer. Like its relatives it feeds in open water above the rocks on zooplankton and grazes biofilm, making it an omnivore best fed a spirulina-based, low-protein diet to avoid digestive bloat. It is territorial and combative, so keep one male with a group of females in a well-stocked mbuna tank with generous rockwork and caves that break sightlines and diffuse aggression. Maintain hard, alkaline, stable water with efficient filtration and regular changes to handle the heavy bioload. It is a maternal mouthbrooder that spawns readily. A colourful, active choice for experienced Rift Lake keepers.