Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Aggressive
Live Plant Safe: No
General Description: The Bumblebee Cichlid is endemic to an array of habitats in Lake Malawi, though it is typically found around caves or large rocks. One of the more aggressive African cichlids, Bumblebee cichlids 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. Named appropriately for their coloration and patterning that resembles the bumblebee insect, Bumblebee cichlids are overall yellow in color with many vertical dark bands. Males will usually get significantly darker than females. Bumblebee cichlids are relatively easy to care for but their territorial nature requires them to be kept in an overcrowded tank with other like-temperamented heterospecific fish to spread out or reduce aggression, especially if you are trying to keep multiple Bumblebee cichlids together. A larger growing species, an adult Bumblebee cichlid can reach a size of approximately 6″.
Diet Requirements: Bumblebee cichlids are more omnivorous compared to most other Malawi cichlids. Various high quality vegetable and protein based flake foods and sinking pellet foods are ideal. Frozen foods such as spirulina or standard brine shrimp and bloodworms are also excellent choices. High percentage protein foods may have to be fed in moderation if Bumblebee cichlids are being kept with more herbivorous African species. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.
Care Requirements: An established minimum 55 gallon aquarium is ideal for a single or pair of Bumblebee cichlids. Several males will require more space and crowding of other Malawi cichlids. Biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters up to standard for African cichlid aquariums (Nitrates < 30 ppm). The aquarium should be aquascaped generously with stacked rocks to create many hiding spaces and caves, but some 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. Bumblebee cichlids will do well with other pugnacious Malawian cichlids; use caution or observe the addition of more “peaceful” species, such as peacocks. Recommended water conditions, 74-80° F, KH 10-25, pH 7.5-8.5.
Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/4” to 1-1/2”; Medium: 1-3/4” to 2-3/4”; Large 3” to 4”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
