Bumblebee Cichlid

Pseudotropheus crabro

📍 Africa - Lake Malawi

The Bumblebee Cichlid is a small, aggressive African cichlid from Lake Malawi known for its distinctive yellow and black striped pattern. Despite their small size, they are highly territorial and require careful tank management and compatible tankmates. These fish are popular among experienced aquarists who appreciate their bold personalities and vibrant coloration.

Size3.5"

Min Tank30g

aggressive

Zoneall

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Care Guide

Diet

Bumblebee Cichlids are omnivorous and should be fed a varied diet including high-quality cichlid pellets, small live foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia, and vegetable matter. Feed once or twice daily in amounts they can consume within 2-3 minutes, adjusting portions based on tank bioload.

Behavior

Bumblebee Cichlids are highly aggressive and territorial, especially males during breeding season. They are active swimmers that patrol their territory constantly and will aggressively defend against intruders. They spend most of their time in the middle to bottom zones, often hiding among rocks and caves.

Breeding

Bumblebee Cichlids are substrate spawners that form monogamous pairs. Breeding occurs in caves or crevices where the female lays eggs and both parents guard the fry aggressively. Provide plenty of hiding spots and remove other fish during breeding to prevent aggression-related deaths.

Tank Mates

Macmasteri Dwarf Cichlid

Similar size and aggression; may conflict over territory

caution

Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid

Comparable aggression levels; requires careful monitoring

caution

Kuhli Loach

Bottom dweller that avoids confrontation; nocturnal habits reduce conflict

good

Otocinclus

Small algae eater that occupies different niche; generally ignored

good

Neon Tetra

May be viewed as food; only suitable in larger tanks with dense vegetation

caution

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects

Treatment

Raise temperature to 28-30 C (82-86 F) gradually, perform daily water changes, use aquarium salt at recommended dosage, treat with copper-free ich medication if needed

Malawi Bloat

Symptoms

Abdominal swelling, loss of appetite, difficulty swimming, pale coloration

Treatment

Perform frequent water changes, feed high-quality foods with varied diet, avoid overfeeding, use antibiotics if bacterial infection suspected, maintain stable water parameters

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, fin loss

Treatment

Improve water quality through frequent water changes, remove sharp decorations, treat with antibacterial medication, maintain optimal water parameters and temperature

Hole-in-the-Head Disease

Symptoms

Small holes or pits in head region, loss of appetite, lethargy

Treatment

Improve water quality and perform frequent water changes, feed varied diet with quality foods, treat with metronidazole if parasitic infection confirmed, maintain stable tank conditions