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Maylandia greshakei, commonly known as the Mpanga Cichlid, is a vibrantly colored mbuna cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in Africa. It is highly prized in the aquarium trade for its striking coloration, particularly the males' iridescent blue bodies and contrasting red-orange dorsal fins. This species exhibits typical mbuna behavior, being rock-dwelling and territorial.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- compressed
- Coloration
- Males are characterized by an iridescent ice-blue body, often with faint vertical barring, and a prominent red-orange dorsal fin. The anal fin typically has several yellow egg spots. Females are generally duller, exhibiting a brownish-gray to light blue coloration, sometimes with faint barring, and a less vibrant or absent red dorsal fin. Juveniles resemble females.
- Scale type
- ctenoid
- Mouth position
- terminal
- Distinctive features
- Bright red-orange dorsal fin in males, Iridescent ice-blue body in males, Egg spots on the anal fin of males
- Dorsal fin
- Long, continuous dorsal fin with a spiny anterior portion and a soft-rayed posterior portion. Males display a striking red-orange coloration on the soft-rayed part.
- Tail fin
- Caudal fin is typically rounded to slightly truncate.
- Pectoral fin
- Paired pectoral fins are clear to slightly bluish.
- Distinctive fins
- Pelvic fins are often elongated in males and can have a bluish tint.
Identification Tips
Male Coloration
Look for the vibrant ice-blue body and the distinct red-orange dorsal fin. This combination is a key identifier for males.
Female Coloration
Females are less colorful, typically brownish-gray to light blue, sometimes with faint vertical bars. The dorsal fin lacks the intense red-orange of the male.
Body Shape
Typical mbuna body shape: robust, laterally compressed, and somewhat elongated.
Habitat Association
In the wild, their presence in rocky areas of Lake Malawi is a strong indicator.
Habitat
- Water type
- freshwater
- Depth
- Typically found in shallow, rocky areas, ranging from 3 to 15 meters (10 to 50 feet) deep.
- Environment
- Rocky littoral zones of Lake Malawi, characterized by large boulders, crevices, and caves. They are mbuna cichlids, meaning 'rock-dwellers', and are closely associated with these rocky substrates for shelter, foraging, and breeding.
- Geographic range
- Endemic to Lake Malawi, specifically found around Mpanga Rocks and other rocky outcrops along the eastern shore of the lake, near the Tanzanian border.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: intermediate
- Temperament: aggressive
- Diet: herbivore
- Minimum tank size: 75 gallons
- Temperature: 76-82°F (24-28°C)
- pH level: 7.8-8.6
- Hardness: 10-20 dGH
- Compatibility: Best kept with other robust Lake Malawi cichlids of similar size and temperament. Avoid keeping with peaceful or much smaller fish. A single male with multiple females is recommended to diffuse aggression.
- Special requirements: Requires a rocky aquascape with numerous caves and hiding places to mimic its natural habitat. Good filtration and regular water changes are essential to maintain water quality. Provide a sand or fine gravel substrate.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: Breeds year-round in its natural habitat, with peak activity often influenced by food availability and water conditions.
- Market price: Varies depending on size and coloration, typically $15-$40 USD per fish.
- Commercial importance: medium
- Taste: Not typically consumed due to its small size and value as an ornamental fish.
- Texture: Not typically consumed.
- Nutritional value: Not typically consumed.
Key Facts
Mbuna Classificationbehavior
Maylandia greshakei belongs to the 'mbuna' group of cichlids, a term derived from the local Tonga language meaning 'rock-dweller'. This group is characterized by their strong association with rocky habitats.
Sexual Dimorphisminteresting
The Mpanga Cichlid exhibits strong sexual dimorphism, with males being significantly more colorful than females, a common trait among many Lake Malawi cichlids.
Mouthbrooderbehavior
Like most Lake Malawi cichlids, Maylandia greshakei is a maternal mouthbrooder. The female carries the eggs and fry in her mouth for several weeks until they are free-swimming.
Herbivorous Dietbehavior
Their diet in the wild primarily consists of 'aufwuchs' – a biofilm of algae and microorganisms scraped from rocks. This makes them primarily herbivorous, and their diet in captivity should reflect this.
Safety Information
Safe- Safety level: safe
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: not recommended
- Handling notes: No specific handling precautions beyond standard fish handling. Avoid direct contact with spines to prevent minor punctures. They can be aggressive, so care should be taken when netting or handling to avoid stress to the fish and potential nips.
Similar Species
Red Top Lwanda
Maylandia sp. 'Lwanda'
While also having a red top, M. sp. 'Lwanda' typically has a more yellow-orange dorsal fin and often a more pronounced yellow or orange wash on the body, particularly on the flanks, compared to the distinct ice-blue of M. greshakei.
Red Top Hongi
Maylandia mbenjii
M. mbenjii (often sold as 'Hongi') has a more reddish-orange body coloration, especially in males, and the red dorsal fin extends further down the body, often blending into the body color, unlike the distinct blue body and red dorsal of M. greshakei.
Cobalt Blue Zebra
Maylandia callainos
M. callainos is typically a uniform bright blue without the prominent red-orange dorsal fin characteristic of M. greshakei. Some variants may have a slight orange tint, but it's not as distinct as the Mpanga Cichlid's red top.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Cichliformes
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Genus
- Maylandia
- Species
- Maylandia greshakei
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