LABEOTROPHEUS TREWAVASAE MANDA

Lake Malawi. It is widespread in the lake and is found at many localities including Masinje Rocks and the Maleri, Namalenje, Thumbi West, Mumbo, Nankoma, Zimbabwe, Boadzulu and Nakantenga groups of islands. It is also found between Lion’s Cove and Chitande, and from Chirombo Point to Nkhata Bay.

L. trewavasae will accept most foods offered but vegetable matter in the form of spirulina flakes, blanched spinach etc. should form a large proportion of the diet. This can be supplemented with live and frozen varieties.

Aggressive and territorial. It should not be kept with peace-loving species such as Peacocks or Utaka but it can be combined with other Mbuna. The tank should be overcrowded to reduce aggression and territory formation. It is very aggressive towards its own kind and the presence of heterospecifics helps to dissipate this. Similarly several females should be kept per male in order to reduce harassment by the male.