Parallel Striped Mbuna (Melanochromis parallelus)
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Parallel Striped Mbuna
Parallel Striped Mbuna (Male)
Melanochromis parallelus
132 Litres (35 US G.)
10.2-12.7cm (4-5 ")
Freshwater
7.5 - 9
22.2-27.2°C (72 -81 °F)
10-25 °d
1:3 M:F
3-5 years
Family
Cichlidae
Contents
Additional names
- Parallel Striped Mbuna
Additional scientific names
- Melanochromis loriae
Origin[edit]
- Endemic to Lake Malawi.
Sexing[edit]
- Juvenile and female fish have yellow/white bellies with a thick black stripe that runs from through the eye to the caudal fin, above this is a yellow/white stripe, and above again is a second black stripe. On the crest of the back is another yellow/white marking. The elongated dorsal fin is black in colour, as are the anal and pelvic fins. The male has a black body with three to four indigo blue stripes. The first of these stripes runs from the eye, back to the caudal fin. The second, third, and fourth runs, alternating with black stripes, above the first one. All the fins are black.
Tank compatibility[edit]
- A robust and aggressive Cichlid, a male must be kept with several females, keep with other Mbuna Cichlids, small Haplochromines and Synodontis catfish.
Diet[edit]
- Will eat most foods including algae, pellets, live foods and vegetables.
Feeding regime[edit]
- Feed once or twice a day.
Environment specifics[edit]
- Prefers a typical Mbuna set up, sandy substrate and rocky décor.
Behaviour[edit]
- A typical aggressive Mbuna Cichlid.
Identification[edit]
- See sexing. Can be confused with Melanochromis auratus.
Pictures[edit]
Juvenile/Female
External links[edit]
- Fishbase (Mirrors: Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination)
