Systematics.  The genus Pseudotropheus was formerly used for a variety of Lake Malawi mbuna species.  Recent revisions split the genus into three sub-genera (Pseudotropheus (Pseudotropheus), P. (Tropheops), and P. (Metriaclima) [Note:  Metriaclima -or Maylandia; depending upon which arguments you follow; see Cichlid Fish of Lake Malawi or Cichlid-Forum for info. on this debate- has been given full genus status].  Pseudotropheus flavus was originally considered a member of the elongatus group of Pseudotropheus and given the provisional name of P. sp. "dinghani" (Ribbink et al. 1983).  Stauffer (1988) described P. flavus as a separate but related species to the P. elongatus complex [Pseudotropheus (Pseudotropheus) group]. 

Young (75 mm TL) Pseudotropheus flavus male and females

Natural habitat.  P. flavus has been found at Chinyankwazi Island and Chinyamwezi Reef (Konings 1995; Ribbink et al. 1983).  This species was found at depths of 8-15 m over a variety of medium to large sized rocky substrate at Chinyankwazi Is. where the diet consisted of phyto- and zooplankton, and aufwuchs (Ribbink et al. 1983).  

Captive Maintenance.  P. flavus are medium sized, moderately aggressive mbuna that are well-suited to cichlid aquariums.  This species was amongst the earliest of Malawi cichlids imported and had all but disappeared from the hobby until more a more recent resurgence of interest.  Males begin to color at approximately 2.75" and obtain full adult coloration of a golden-yellow body with a black face mask, and eight vertical black stripes on the body at approximately 3.5".  Both males and females have a black dorsal sub-marginal band and black bands on the ventral and caudal fins, though the coloration is usually darker in males.  Male color can change rapidly from a faded yellow/black to a vivid dark yellow/black particularly when defending a territory or courting females.  Female color is a drab yellow-brown and sometimes includes dark bars on the body.  This species will spawn readily in the aquarium.  Courtship and spawning is similar to other maternal mouthbrooding species.  Fecundity generally ranges with female size from 10-30 fry/spawn.  Juveniles are colored similarly to adult females.  Most commercial feeds are readily accepted by this species and supplementation with frozen feeds including artemia has, in my experience, presented no problems.  Juveniles to young adults can be housed in aquaria up to 120 L (30 gallons).  Adults generally require aquaria of 160 L (40 gallons) and larger.  Adult ratios of one male to three or more females will provide safety from male aggression.  Suitable tankmates include a range of Malawi mbuna -with the notable exception of members of the P. elongatus group as male disputes or hybridization may result, Malawi "Haplochromines", and Victorian cichlids.  

Literature Cited

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