Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Live Plant Safe: With Caution
General Description: The Lab Perlmutt Cichlid is endemic to deep water rocky zones of up to 90 feet in Lake Malawi around Higga Reef and Mbamba Bay. This fish lacks a proper scientific name because since its initial discovery in 1995, it has not been further described. Its identifer ‘Perlmutt’, meaning “Mother of Pearl” in German, was selected because of the pearly coloration of adults. From what we do know about the Lab perlmutt, it is relatively peaceful as far as African cichlids are concerned and are one of the few that can also be maintained in groups successfully. Keeping them in an overcrowded tank is suggested nevertheless to spread out or reduce aggression, particularly when spawning occurs. An adult Lab perlmutt can reach a size of approximately 3-1/2″.
Diet Requirements: Lab perlmutt, unlike most other Mbunas, can tolerate a high diet protein because the depths at which they live do not allow for much algal growth. Various high quality protein based flake foods and sinking pellet foods are acceptable but should not make up a large portion of its diet. Frozen foods such as brine shrimp, spirulina brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia and other mixed freshwater prepartions are ideal. 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 Lab perlmutt. Biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters pristine (Nitrates < 15 ppm), as this species is more sensitive to high nitrates. 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. Lab perlmutt 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: Medium: 1-1/2” to 2”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
