Melanochromis johanni is another African Cichlid from Lake Malawi. I bought my first group at a local pet store. There were six in the group and the males started to color immediately. This species has males and females that look like different species. The females are bright orange. The males are dark blue or blackish with light blue streaks. Another about many African cichlids is the non-dominant males looks like a female. They are hiding my looking like a female. The first group of six I had five males in the group. Also many males will have a yellow spot on the anal fin. If you look closely, you can tell the gender if they are old enough. These are fairly large fish four or five inches in common.

Water: They prefer alkaline water. pH 7.8 - 8.4

Food: They will eat all types of food.They will eat flake food, and cichlid pellets.  Live food are always helpful to encourage breeding. I have used bloodworms, Daphnia, and mosquito larvae.

Temperature: from 70 - 80 degrees.

Tank furniture: Most plants will be destroyed. Rocks are welcome. They need a large flat rock to drop the eggs on. Pc pipes allow the fish to hide from each other.

Tank mates: These are aggressive so should only be kept with other species of the same size and similar personalities.

Spawning: M. johanni are mouthbrooders. The female drops the eggs and put it in her mouth with the male fertilizing it. She will hold the eggs for three to four weeks. The eggs hatch and the fry develop for in her mouth. You can wait until she spits the fry out on her own or strip them from her. I have gently held the mother over a cup and carefully get her to open her mouth. It can take a few minute because you do not want to hurt the fish. Many local store will buy locally raised fish. You will not make a fortune but you might be able to cover some of your expenses. Also some local fish club have auctions or fish swaps. You can also sell on eBay.


A tank of these fish are beautiful. I wish I had to space for some today.