Common name/s: Red top trewavasae

Scientific name: Labeotropheus trewavasae "Zimbawe"

Family: Cichlidae

Origin: "Zimbawe Rock" Lake Malawi (Africa)

Maximum size: 7"

Care: These cichlids require a tank of 50+ gallons, and prefer other cichlids of the mbuna family as well as Synodontis cat fish. The trewavasae is a rather hardy fish so it is a good beginner fish. It thrives in water with a pH between 8 and 8.5 and a tempertature between 78 and 82°F. These fish usually swim towards the bottom to middle parts of the tank. Like other mbuna, they demand caves that are large enough for their long, slender body shape to fit into. They can be aggressive towards their own kind.

Feeding: Feed daily. Herbivore. Feed algae waffers, algae flakes and fresh roughage.

Sexing and breeding: Very easy to sex. The female is orange with black spots on its body, fins and face. Females can also have dark orange or red fins. The male is usually all blue with dark orange or red fins. Another combination is blue and partly orange with dark orange or red fins. Breeding conditions are similar to other mbuna. Water conditions must be perfect and the tank must have a ratio of 3 or more females per male. The more females the higher the chance of breeding. Labeotropheus trewavasae "Zimbawe" is a Maternal Mouthbrooder and the female will lay up to 60 eggs and hold them in her mouth once they are fertilized. It takes about two weeks for the fry to hatch. Feed fry crushed flakes (like sand particle size).

Comments: This is one of my favorite fish and is very active and beautiful. A bazaar characteristic is the shape of the mouth. It is used to get better angle while scraping algae off of the rocks.

(The first picture is of a female (the orange with black spots) and the second is of the male (blue with red fins))

Both are mature.