CICHLID – ACEI
Pseudotropheus sp. “acei”

$8.99$24.99

The Acei Cichlid is endemic to the western side of Lake Malawi along rocky and sandy shorelines. Acei may be referred to as a ‘mbuna’, which is a general term to characterize various Malawian cichlid species that share a similar body shape and belligerent temperament. However, the Acei is rather mild-mannered compared to other mbunas, making this fish an ideal cichlid for beginner hobbyists in addition to its undemanding care requirements. Acei are slender bodied, with a predominance of blue coloration and some yellow in their fins that can vary among individuals. Most African cichlids do best in a somewhat overcrowded tank to spread out or reduce aggression. There are few diagnosable differences between male and female Acei, as females can also develop “eggspots” on the anal fin. Behavior is a better indicator of sex in this species, in that males will chase more as they try to establish or defend a territory. An adult Acei can reach a size of approximately 5″.

Description

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Live Plant Safe: No

General Description: The Acei Cichlid is endemic to the western side of Lake Malawi along rocky and sandy shorelines. Acei may be referred to as a ‘mbuna’, which is a general term to characterize various Malawian cichlid species that share a similar body shape and belligerent temperament. However, the Acei is rather mild-mannered compared to other mbunas, making this fish an ideal cichlid for beginner hobbyists in addition to its undemanding care requirements. Acei are slender bodied, with a predominance of blue coloration and some yellow in their fins that can vary among individuals. Most African cichlids do best in a somewhat overcrowded tank to spread out or reduce aggression. There are few diagnosable differences between male and female Acei, as females can also develop “eggspots” on the anal fin. Behavior is a better indicator of sex in this species, in that males will chase more as they try to establish or defend a territory. An adult Acei can reach a size of approximately 5″.

Diet Requirements: Acei are primarily herbivorous and such foods should make up a large portion of their diet. Various high quality vegetable and spirulina based flake foods and sinking pellet foods are ideal. Frozen spirulina brine shrimp can be fed in moderation. Blanched vegetables are excellent options. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish. Acei should not be fed a diet high in protein, and avoid beef heart altogether, as this disturbs their digestive system.

Care Requirements: An established minimum 55 gallon aquarium is ideal for Acei. Biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters up to standard (Nitrates < 30 ppm). The aquarium should be aquascaped generously with stacked rocks to create many hiding spaces and caves, but some unobstructed and open swimming space should also be provided. A sandy or fine substrate is preferred and the aquarium needs to be well oxygenated. African cichlid specific substrates, or even marine Aragonite substrate, are great choices because they will buffer the pH and alkalinity to levels characteristic of Lake Malawi. Acei will do well with other Malawian cichlids that are not overly pugnacious. Recommended water conditions, 74-80° F, KH 10-25, pH 7.5-8.5.

Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2” to 2”; Medium: 2” to 3”; Large: 3” to 4”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.

Shipping & Delivery

Dry goods orders are shipped via US Postal Service or UPS to the address provided at checkout based on the selection made in your website shopping cart. Product is carefully packed to help prevent any damage during shipping. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number, and delivery notification. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.

Perishable items (i.e. live plants, refrigerated/frozen foods) are shipped via US Postal Service 2-3 day to the address provided at checkout for a $25.00 flat rate charge. Items are packed with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more perishable items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $25.00 perishable shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.

Livestock (i.e. fish, invertebrates, coral) are shipped via UPS Overnight to the address provided at checkout for a $55.00 flat rate charge. Livestock is packed in insulated styrofoam boxes with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more livestock items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $55.00 livestock shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Livestock is shipped Monday through Wednesday ONLY (no weekend delivery is available) weather permitting, and we reserve the right to delay shipping until conditions are appropriate for safe arrival. Once your order is placed we will contact you to arrange the best shipping date based on these criteria. Someone must be available to receive the livestock order on the first delivery attempt. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.

For mixed dry goods/perishable & livestock orders items will be shipped via their corresponding shipping methods outlined above. Dry goods will be shipped via US Postal Service or UPS based on your selection and checkout, while livestock will ship via UPS Overnight for a $55.00 flat rate charge. You will receive separate notifications and tracking numbers for the dry goods and livestock. Please note due to different carriers and shipping methods dry goods and livestock may arrive on different days.