Pseudotropheus elongatus

The colorful and intriguing Pseudotropheus elongatus cichlid species is indigenous to the stony shores of Lake Malawi in East Africa. African cichlid fish are a favorite among aquarium hobbyists who enjoy caring for them because of their vibrant colors and lively habits.

Pseudotropheus elongatus is a species of fish that lives in the crevices and rocks of their natural habitat. They eat algae and small invertebrates. They are easily identified by their bold, horizontal stripes and slim, elongated bodies, which also give a dynamic visual element to any aquarium setup.

Although maintaining Pseudotropheus elongatus in a home aquarium can be rewarding, there are certain difficulties involved. Particularly during the breeding season, these fish are well-known for being fiercely territorial. To maintain a calm atmosphere, make sure they have lots of hiding places and carefully select their tank mates.

Pseudotropheus elongatus can flourish in captivity and add a vibrant splash of color and vitality to your aquarium with the correct care, which includes ideal water conditions and a suitable diet. Knowing more about this unusual species can help you establish a thriving and healthy aquatic community, regardless of experience level.

Topic Details
Scientific Name Pseudotropheus elongatus
Common Name Elongate Mbuna
Origin Lake Malawi, Africa
Size Up to 4 inches (10 cm)
Diet Omnivore – algae, plant matter, and small invertebrates
Behavior Territorial and aggressive, especially males
Tank Size Minimum 30 gallons
Water Conditions pH 7.5-8.5, temperature 75-82°F (24-28°C)
Breeding Mouthbrooder, females carry eggs in mouth until they hatch

Distribution

One of the numerous endemic species found in African Lake Malawi is this one. It is primarily located close to the village of Chilumba in the northwest section of the lake.

Although keeping conditions for fish belonging to the Pseudotropheus elongatus species group are not overly demanding, there are a few guidelines that must be followed.

  • It is better to keep these cichlids according to the harem principle – 1 male and 4-5 females. There should be at least 5 individuals in one group.
  • The recommended volume of the aquarium for one group of fish is from 120 liters. It is advisable to use an elongated container with a length of at least 0.8 meters along the long side.
  • Coarse sand or small pebbles are used as soil. The fish are very fond of digging in the substrate. They can get hurt about sharp pebbles, and when interacting with too small sand, they will begin to stir up water.
  • When decorating an aquarium, it is better to focus on the natural habitat of the Mbuna group of fish. They mainly occupy rocky shores, so the design should include more stones and grottoes. Be sure to add more shelters.

Pseudotropheus elongatus characteristics can be challenging for novice aquarists to maintain, which is why these fish are typically suggested for more seasoned aquarium keepers.

Water parameters for ideal maintenance

It is crucial to remember that Lake Malawi’s hydrochemical parameters are in an almost perfect state when caring for Pseudotropheus elongatus. Consequently, it’s best to steer clear of abrupt changes in hardness, acidity, or temperature. It is advised to keep the following values in place:

    hardness – 8-20 dGH;
    acid-base balance – 7.5-8.5.

Forced aeration of the water is required in aquariums containing African cichlids because plants do not grow there. An external filter is also installed.

To prevent organic waste from building up in the soil, a third of the water volume needs to be replaced with fresh water each week, and the soil needs to be regularly sucked. Pseudotropheus exhibit high sensitivity to nitrogen compound levels in their environment.

What to feed pseudotropheus elongatus

By nature, pseudotropheus elongatus are omnivores. In their native environment, they consume larvae of insects, zooplankton, and algae.

With their teeth, they remove food particles from the surface of rocks.

Pseudotropheus can be fed live, frozen, or dry food in an aquarium. Plant-based foods should make up 70% of a person’s diet, with animal protein sources making up the remaining 30%.

The most common live foods are permitted:

  • corethra;
  • tubifex;
  • daphnia;

You can include chopped dandelion or nettle stems, as well as boiling-water-treated lettuce leaves, in the diet as plants.

Giving dry food is advised by experts as a source of vitamins and microelements. The market has seen a rise in the popularity of the following products:

  • Tetra Malawi — dry flakes and granules developed taking into account the nutritional needs of cichlids from the Mbuna group.

  • TetraPro Algae — dry chips with spirulina, made using a special technology with the preservation of most of the vitamins and microelements.

  • Tetra Cichlid Algae Mini — dry food in the form of small balls with a high content of algae.

  • Tetra Cichlid Colour — dry food for any type of cichlids, designed to maintain the bright color of tropical fish.

  • Sera Cichlid Green — basic dry food for herbivorous cichlids, suitable for feeding fish from the Mbuna group.

  • Sera Granugreen — granulated dry food for medium-sized cichlids with algae.

  • Dajana Pet Cichlid Gran — granulated dry food for small cichlids.

  • JBL NovoMalawi is a dry food in the form of flakes, developed for feeding fish living in Lake Malawi.

Reproduction

The pseudotropheus undergoes sexual maturation towards the conclusion of its first year of life. It is advised to use a spawning aquarium with a capacity of 80–100 liters for reproduction. Its water parameters should be kept at the following levels:

    hardness – 10-18 German degrees;
    acid-base balance – 8.2-8.5.

Add more sand and flat stones to the aquarium. The male can dig a hole in it for the female to lay eggs later.

The prospective parents are fed a wide variety of foods prior to being placed in the spawning tank.

The female gathers the fertilized eggs in her mouth after they have been laid. Throughout the entire 2-4 week incubation period, the eggs stay there. The fry swim alongside the mother for the first time following emergence. She gathers the young in her mouth during the night or in times of danger.

The fry eventually start to move on their own. They need to have enough shelter in a shared aquarium. The fish can live for up to eight years in an aquarium under ideal circumstances.

The intriguing cichlid species Pseudotropheus elongatus enlivens any aquarium with its brilliant color and animated behavior. These fish are certain to draw the attention of any observer due to their remarkable appearance and territorial demeanor.

Even though they can be aggressive, especially when they’re breeding, they can live in harmony with other suitable species if their tanks are set up and maintained properly. It’s critical to keep the water’s characteristics similar to their natural habitat and to offer lots of hiding places.

Pseudotropheus elongatus provides a satisfying experience for aquarium owners intending to incorporate a little bit of the wild into their setups. They are an exceptional option for both novice and seasoned fish keepers due to their vibrant colors and dynamic presence.

Pseudotropheus elongatus is a striking, colorful cichlid found in Lake Malawi that is distinguished by its bright colors and territorial demeanor. This species brings a vibrant dynamic to a home aquarium, but it needs proper space, water, and mate selection to survive. Maintaining the health and happiness of this stunning but difficult fish in your aquarium requires an understanding of its natural behavior and surroundings.

Video on the topic

pseudotropheus elongatus.mp4

Pseudotropheus elongatus and Cobalt zebra in a 180L biotope aquarium. Rybac.

Elongatus mpanga, mating dance

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Olga Vishnevskaya

Biologist by education, aquarist by vocation. Specialization — breeding and care of freshwater aquarium plants. Since childhood I have been fond of aquariums, constantly experimenting with creating biotopes and selecting flora for various types of aquariums. I am sure that green aquariums can transform any interior and improve the quality of life.

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