Blue Mbuna, also known as Fuelleborn’s Cichlid, is a type of cichlid fish found in Lake Malawi. It lives in areas with rocky bottoms.
This fish is important for local fishing businesses and is also popular as a pet. Sometimes, people call it “marmalade cat” because of its spotted appearance.
The name “Fuelleborn’s cichlid” comes from Friedrich Fülleborn, a German scientist.
Blue Mbunas are territorial around rocks. They usually eat alone or with other species on algae-covered rocks in shallow water.
Sometimes, they form large groups to eat the algae gardens of other fish species. They also eat worms, crustaceans, insects, and plants.
You can check out what this fish looks like over here.
Blue Mbuna Interesting Facts
- Blue Mbunas, or Fuelleborn’s Cichlids, are found in Lake Malawi and live in rocky bottom areas.
- These fish grow up to 11.8 inches (30.0 centimeters) long and are popular for fishing businesses and as pets.
- Blue Mbunas eat algae-covered rocks, worms, crustaceans, insects, and plants.
- Female Blue Mbunas practice mouthbrooding to protect their eggs and baby fish.
Blue Mbuna Habitat
Blue Mbuna is found in Lake Malawi, Africa, including its offshore islands. This fish lives in freshwater and swims near the bottom of the lake (benthopelagic).
It prefers a pH range of 7.5 to 8.5 and water hardness (dH) up to 12.
The ideal depth for this fish ranges from 1 to 6 meters, and it thrives in water temperatures between 72°F to 77°F (22°C to 25°C), which is tropical.
Its habitat distribution lies between latitudes of 9°S to 15°S.
| Water Temperature: | 72°F to 77°F (22°C to 25°C) |
| Water pH: | 7.5 to 8.5 pH |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Blue Mbuna Physical Characteristics
Size: 11.8 inches (30.0 centimeters)
Male Blue Mbunas are larger than females.
Males grow up to 11.8 inches (30.0 centimeters) long, while females reach a maximum length of 3.4 inches (8.7 centimeters).
Blue Mbuna Reproduction
Female Blue Mbuna fish holds her eggs and baby fish in her mouth to protect them and care for them until they are older.
Blue Mbuna Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cichliformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Genus: | Labeotropheus |
| Scientific Name: | Labeotropheus fuelleborni |
| Also Known As: | Blue Mbuna, Fuelleborn’s Cichlid |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |