Bumblebee Cichlid, scientifically known as Pseudotropheus crabro, is a fish found in Lake Malawi.
It’s usually found in different habitats but is mostly seen near large rocks or caves. In the wild, this fish cleans parasites from bigger fish like the catfish Bagrus meridionalis.
Interestingly, it also eats this catfish’s eggs while changing to a dark brown color.
Bumblebee Cichlid’s diet varies depending on what is available, but it mainly focuses on cleaning parasites off the catfish Bagrus meridionalis.
Bumblebee Cichlid Interesting Facts
- Bumblebee Cichlids have yellow and black stripes, with their colors darkening as they age. They can also change colors quickly.
- These fish are mouthbrooders, carrying eggs in their mouths for protection.
- In the wild, they clean parasites from catfish and sometimes eat the catfish’s eggs while changing to a dark brown color.
- Native to Lake Malawi in Africa, Bumblebee Cichlids prefer slightly alkaline water with temperatures between 75°F to 79°F (24°C to 26°C).
Bumblebee Cichlid Habitat
Bumblebee Cichlid is native to Lake Malawi in Africa. It’s found in various locations including Eccles Reef, West Reef, and several islands like Chinyankwazi and Likoma.
This freshwater fish lives close to the bottom (demersal) at depths of 15 to 18 meters.
It prefers slightly alkaline water with a pH of 7.5 to 8.2 and a temperature range of 75°F to 79°F (24°C to 26°C).
This fish is typically found in tropical regions between 11°S to 15°S latitude.
| Water Temperature: | 75°F to 79°F (24°C to 26°C) |
| Water pH: | 7.5 to 8.2 pH |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Bumblebee Cichlid Physical Characteristics
Size: 3.7 inches (9.4 centimeters)
Bumblebee Cichlid grows up to 3.7 inches (9.4 centimeters) long. This fish has yellow and black stripes, like a bumblebee.
Young ones are bright, but they get darker as they grow up, especially males. Bumblebee Cichlids also change color quickly.
Bumblebee Cichlid Reproduction
Bumblebee Cichlids are mouthbrooders, meaning they carry eggs in their mouths.
Bumblebee Cichlid Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cichliformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Genus: | Pseudotropheus |
| Scientific Name: | Pseudotropheus crabro |
| Also Known As: | Bumblebee Cichlid, Hornet Cichlid |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |