Melanochromis Maingano 3.5cm

Melanochromis Maingano

The Maingano cichlid has got to be one of the coolest and under-rated African cichlids available in the aquarium hobby. These fun little cichlids look and behave very much like Mbuna and have such contrasting and electric colours. Maingano cichlids only reach around 10 cm as adults and 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. Maingano cichlids have a jet-black body colour with bright electric blue stripes that run from head to tail. These almost look like lightning strikes across the body considering how blue they can get. Maingano cichlids are often confused with the Johanni or Demasoni Cichlid because of their similar appearances however the main distinguishing factor is how the Maingano cichlid has much thicker blue stripes compared to the other species. Female Johanni also aren’t drastically different from males whereas in similar species they are actually fully yellow.

Breeding these fish is very easy as males and females should breed in an established aquarium with enough hiding places. Maingano cichlids are mouth brooders meaning the female lays eggs which she will then scoop up in her mouth, the eggs then get fertilized by the male. Males tend to have bolder, brighter stripes compared to the females.

Tank Recommendations for your Melanochromis Maingano
As the Melanochromis Maingano only reaches around 10 cm, an adult pair of these fish can easily be kept in a tank of around 120 litres. 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.

Melanochromis Maingano can be territorial, especially during 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 the 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 Melanochromis Maingano 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 Melanochromis Mainagno
Melanochromis Maingano will take to aquarium foods very easily. They will take a wide range of pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. By giving them a varied diet, it 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.