Chindongo Saulosi, scientifically known as Pseudotropheus saulosi, is a type of cichlid fish. It’s considered a dwarf-mbuna species.
Ad Konings first described it in 1990 and named it after Saulos Mwale, who caught over 3000 specimens in one day during the expedition.
Chindongo Saulosi comes from a specific part of the lake called Taiwan Reef. It’s also found in the aquarium trade.
Adult Saulosis can grow up to 3.4 inches long (8.6 cm). They are born yellow, but mature males turn blue with black vertical bars.
Less dominant males may be paler blue or remain yellow like the females.
Chindongo Saulosi fish are maternal mouthbrooders, meaning females hold eggs in their mouths until the babies can swim on their own, usually between 13 to 18 days.
This species is Critically Endangered in the wild, so efforts are being made to re-stock Taiwan Reef with captive-bred individuals.
You can check out what this fish looks like over here.
Chindongo Saulosi Interesting Facts
- Chindongo Saulosis are found only in Lake Malawi, East Africa.
- Males change color from yellow to blue as they mature.
- Females protect their eggs by holding them in their mouths.
- The species is Critically Endangered, and efforts are being made to re-stock their habitat.
Chindongo Saulosi Habitat
Chindongo Saulosi is a type of cichlid fish found only in Lake Malawi, East Africa.
It mostly lives in rocky areas.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Chindongo Saulosi Physical Characteristics
Size: 3.0 inches (7.5 centimeters)
Adult Chindongo Saulosis grow up to 3.0 inches (7.5 centimeters) long. They are born yellow, but mature males turn blue with black vertical bars.
Less dominant males may be paler blue or remain yellow like the females.
Chindongo Saulosi Reproduction
Chindongo Saulosi fish are maternal mouthbrooders.
Females hold eggs in their mouths until the babies can swim on their own, usually between 13 to 18 days.
Chindongo Saulosi Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cichliformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Genus: | Pseudotropheus |
| Scientific Name: | Pseudotropheus saulosi |
| Also Known As: | Chindongo Saulosi |
| Conservation Status: | Critically Endangered |