Labeotropheus fuelleborni 'Blue mbuna'

Labeotropheus fuelleborni is a haplochromine cichlid with an enlarged snout of fibrous connective tissue that hangs over a wide ventrally situated mouth with curved chisel-like teeth. This species has a high level of color polymorphism. Male coloration develops gradually until maturity when the color changes to brilliant blue at times with golden yellow on the flanks. The anal fin on the male has 2 to 4 bright orange ‘egg dummy’ spots along the posterior margin. The females have at least two color morphs, a normal coloration of dull blue-grey that is lighter ventrally with or without 8 black, brown, or blue-grey vertical bars along the body or an orange-blotch (OB) variation. In the OB variation, the body is marked by blotches of black, orange, or white with some individual females solid yellow It inhabits the upper parts of rocky reefs, usually adjacent to areas of open water, in which it leaves the reef to feed on phytoplankton. Much of the aquarium should contain piles of rocks, arranged to form caves with small areas of open water between. A sandy substrate is best and the water should be well oxygenated. Plants should not be used as they will be eaten. The tank should be overcrowded to reduce aggression and territory formation. It is very aggressive towards others of the same species. Several females should be kept per male in order to reduce harassment by the male.