Melanochromis Johanni 7-10cm

Melanochromis Johanni

The Johanni 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 but also have their unique flare which makes them the perfect fish to keep especially in a colony because it almost looks like you are keeping 2 different fish. Males and females in this species have an incredibly different colour tone to one another which is arguably their biggest allure. These fish only reach around 10 cm as an adult 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. Males have a jet-black body colour with bright electric blue stripes that run from head to tail. These almost look like lighting strikes across the body considering how blue they can get. Males in this species are often confused with the Maingano or Demasoni Cichlid because of their similar appearances however the main distinguishing factor is how the Johanni cichlid has much thinner blue stripes compared to the other species. Female Johanni look like a different species altogether, they are a bright marigold yellow and look absolutely stunning. These bright saturated colour in a female african cichlid is almost non existent in other species which is what makes these fish so special.

Breeding these fish is very easy as males can be easily differentiated from females. These are mouth brooders meaning the female lays eggs which she will then scoop up in her mouth, the eggs then get fertilised by the male. As long as a small colony is kept with a few hiding places, these fish will breed.

Tank Recommendations for your Melanochromis johanni

As the Melanochromis johanni 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 johanni 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 a tropical fish which are best kept at 24-26 degrees with a ph. of 7.0-8.5

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Melanochromis johanni 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 johanni

Melanochromis johanni 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.