Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Aggressive

Live Plant Safe: No

General Description: The Msobo Magunga Cichlid, or simply referred to as just Msobo, are endemic to rocky coastal areas of Lake Malawi in Africa. More specifically, this fish comes from an area called Magunga in Tanzania. One of the more aggressive African cichlids, Msobo 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. Males are unmistakable for their bold black and blue coloration, while females, or immature males, are a lemon yellow color. Msobo are relatively easy to care for but their territorial nature requires them to be kept in an overcrowded tank with other like-temperament heterospecific fish to spread out or reduce aggression, especially if you are trying to keep multiple Msobo together. An adult Msobo can reach a size of approximately 4″.

Diet Requirements: Msobo 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. Msobo 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 a single or pair of Msobo. 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 to encourage their exploratory behavior, 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. Msobo 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: 1-1/2” to 1-3/4”, Medium: 2” to 2-1/2”

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