Chilumba Red 5cm

Chilumba Red Cichlid

The Chilumba Red Cichlid is an underrated and beautifully coloured cichlid with its unique rusty colour, these are also an easy-to-care-for species that will be a fantastic addition to a Mbuna dominated aquarium or even a species only, colony system. These stunning fish originally come from lake Malawi and only reach around 10 cm as an adult these fish make for a great entry-level African cichlid because they can be kept in smaller aquariums.

The colouration that this species is something that you don’t see that commonly in aquarium fish. The body colour is a deep, rusty orange colour which tends to be brighter near the belly area. They have very faint black barring that runs across the body but it is most prevalent near the face. The tail and other fins of this species have a shimmering blue which adds another level of contrast. Chilumba red cichlids are also a naturally occurring species and are actually a regional variant of the normal blue chilumba cichlid which is very interesting to see. Lemon cichlids are also relatively peaceful like most other rock-dwelling mbuna cichlids which makes them great to have in large numbers or even in mixed cichlid tanks. 

Breeding these fish is relatively easy as males can be easily differentiated from females. Females tend to be more dull coloured when compared to brightly coloured males. Males also have an abundance of egg spots on the tail which they use to attract females with when breeding. As long as small colonies are kept with a few caves or large shells, the cichlids will eventually breed.  

Tank Recommendations for your Chilumba Red Cichlid

As the chilumba red cichlid only reaches around 10 cm, an adult pair of these fish can easily be kept in a tank of around 70 liters. They will however thrive in larger aquariums when kept in a colony of 6 or more.  Since these cichlids spend a lot of time near the bottom of the aquarium it is best to ensure there is a decent footprint.

Chilumba cichlids can be territorial, especially during the breeding time however their aggression is quite minimal compared to other African cichlids. They should be provided with a plentiful supply of caves for security and just to diffuse minimal aggression. These are also tropical fish that are best kept at 24-26 degrees with a ph of 7.0-8.5

Suitable Tank Buddies

The chilumba red cichlids can be kept with a range of other mbuna species and relatively peaceful African cichlids. Since these fish require a higher PH of around 8 the tank mates chosen should be adaptable to this.

Usually Compatible

Yellow lab cichlids, red zebra cichlids, Malawi peacocks, and smaller-sized hap cichlids.

Sometimes Compatible

Frontosa, larger haps like Malawi trout and other large, semi-aggressive fish. 

Rarely Compatible

Aggressive African cichlid species like fuscodichromis and polystigma. South American cichlids should also be avoided.

Feeding your Chilumba Red Cichlid

Chilumba Red cichlids will take to aquarium foods very easily. They will take a wide range of pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. Giving them a varied diet ensures that they have optimal nutrition.  The ideal diet would be good quality, small and slow food, supplemented with green matter like algae flakes or sheets. Feeding any foods with natural colour enhancers would also be great as this will really enhance the orange in this fish.