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Abactochromis labrosus "Mbenji"


Abactochromis labrosus (old name = Melanochromis labrosus) is found in reasonable shallow water along rocky coasts all around Lake Malawi with the exception of the southern arms of the lake. They live in intermediate zones from rocks to sand. This species doesn`t live in the lake in large numbers. These examples were found in the neighbourhood of Mbenji Island.


In the lake the males of these species can grow to 12 cm, in the aquarium however they can grow a little taller because of a good feeding. The males can then grow to about 15 cm, females grow to about 12 cm.


Abactochromis labrosus can behave intolerant against equal species, against other inhabitants they are in general tolerant. You can best keep this species with multiple females and other mbuna, and a lot of hiding places in the aquarium.


In the lake they are mainly feeding themselves with little fish and invertebrates. In the aquarium they are comfortable with any food. They take everything they get offered, like spirulina pellets, mysis, artemia, cyclops and shrimp-peas mix.