Bluegray Mbuna: Everything You Should Know

Bluegray Mbuna

Bluegray Mbuna is a type of African freshwater fish from the Cichlid family.

It lives in rocky shoreline areas and eats both plants and animals since it’s an omnivore.

Bluegray Mbuna Interesting Facts

  • Bluegray Mbuna, native to Lake Malawi, prefers alkaline water with a pH of 8.0 and temperatures between 71°F to 77°F.
  • Males or unsexed individuals can grow up to 10 centimeters long.
  • This omnivorous fish lives in rocky shoreline areas and feeds on both plants and animals.
  • Exhibiting maternal mouthbrooding behavior, females protect eggs in their mouths while males fertilize them using clever tactics.

Bluegray Mbuna Habitat

Bluegray Mbuna is a fish native to Lake Malawi in Africa. You can find it in specific areas like Masinje Rocks and Cape Ngombo.

This freshwater fish lives near the bottom of the lake, preferring slightly alkaline water with a pH of 8.0 and hardness between 9-19 dH.

The ideal temperature for the Bluegray Mbuna ranges from 22°C to 25°C (71°F to 77°F).

Its habitat lies between latitudes 13°S and 14°S and is suited for tropical climates.

Water Temperature:72°F to 77°F (22°C to 25°C)
Water pH:8.0 to 8.0 pH
Water Hardness:9 – 19

Bluegray Mbuna Physical Characteristics

Size: 3.9 inches (10.0 centimeters)

Bluegray Mbuna grows up to 10 centimeters long.

Bluegray Mbuna Reproduction

Bluegray Mbuna is a type of fish that practices maternal mouthbrooding. Males create territories and have a group of females with them.

When the female lays eggs, she collects them in her mouth to keep them safe.

The male shows off spots on his fin that look like eggs, tricking the female into picking them up too.

As she does this, the male releases sperm which then fertilizes the real eggs inside her mouth.

Bluegray Mbuna Scientific Classification

Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Actinopterygii
Order:Cichliformes
Family:Cichlidae
Genus:Pseudotropheus
Scientific Name:Pseudotropheus johannii
Also Known As:Bluegray Mbuna
Conservation Status:Least Concern

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