Fuelleborn's Cichlid

Labeotropheus fuelleborni is a robust mbuna from the rocky shallows of Lake Malawi, instantly recognized by its overhanging, snout-like upper lip used to rasp algae from stone. The OB (orange blotch) form shows a mottled orange-and-black pattern. It is a hard-water species requiring pH 7.6-8.6 and stable warm temperatures around 26 C. Highly territorial and aggressive, it should be kept in a large rock-filled tank with a group dominated by one male and several females to spread aggression. Combine only with equally sturdy mbuna. The diet must be predominantly vegetable: spirulina flakes, algae-based pellets and blanched greens; protein-rich foods cause fatal bloat. Provide excellent filtration, plenty of caves and firm sand.