Labeotropheus

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Labeotropheus
Blue mbuna, Labeotropheus fuelleborni
Blue mbuna, Labeotropheus fuelleborni
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Labeotropheus
Ahl, 1926
Species

See text.

Labeotropheus is a genus of cichlid fish endemic to Lake Malawi in eastern Africa. It includes at least 2 species, each with a number of subspecies or races. Further taxonomic work is required to determine how many species exist. These cichlids are popular ornamental fish and are ideally suited to the cichlid aquarium. Like many Malawi cichlids, Labeotropheus species are algal grazers.

[edit] Species

[edit] In the aquarium

Like all cichlids from Lake Malawi these cichlids are best maintained in hard, alkaline water. Labeotropheus are best kept in aquariums with volumes greater than 120 l (31.5 gallon). The aquarium should be decorated with rocks, although caves can also be easily created from terracotta pots.

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