Bumblebee Cichlid

• ExerciseHigh

  A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.

• GroomingAttentive tank care

  Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment7–10 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Bloat (GDV) · Ich (white spot) · Fin rot

The Bumblebee or Hornet Cichlid (Pseudotropheus crabro) lives in Lake Malawi's rocky caves and reaches about 13 to 15 cm, making it one of the larger mbuna. It can switch between a bright yellow body with black bars and an almost uniform dark brown within seconds. In the wild it has a remarkable double relationship with the kampango catfish: it picks parasites from the catfish's skin, and the dark colour phase lets it slip in unnoticed to raid the same catfish's nest. Give it 300 litres or more at 24-27C, pH 7.8 to 8.6 in hard water, with caves large enough for an adult. Its diet is more omnivorous than most mbuna, so a spirulina staple can be supplemented with occasional frozen mysis or brine shrimp, though protein still needs restraint. Size and confidence make it a genuine problem for smaller tankmates: it grows faster and heavier than the fish it is usually sold alongside and will take over the best cave. Keep it with robust Malawi species in a large tank, one male only, and never treat it as an entry-level fish despite how widely juveniles are stocked.

• How active is a Bumblebee Cichlid?

  High. A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.

• How much maintenance does a Bumblebee Cichlid need?

  Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• What tank size does a Bumblebee Cichlid need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a Bumblebee Cichlid a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Bumblebee Cichlid live?

  7–10 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Bumblebee Cichlid?

  Keep an eye out for Bloat (GDV), Ich (white spot), Fin rot. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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