Big Sky Cichlids -Pseudotropheus sp. "red-top ndumbi"

This article appeared in Cichlid News 11(3): 28-29

Experiences with Pseudotropheus sp. “red-top ndumbi”

Systematics. Pseudotropheus sp. “red-top ndumbi” is an undescribed species from Tanzanian waters in the northern portion of Lake Malawi. This species was first reported by Spreinat (1995). The waters in the vicinity of Ndumbi appear to harbor at least three variants that all may belong to the same species. Ps. sp. “red-top ndumbi” is known from reefs near Ndumbi, while similar fishes dubbed Ps. sp. “perspicax orange-cap “ and Ps. sp.“perspicax yellow breast “ are found at Pombo Reef south of Ndumbi (Karlsonn 1997; Konings 1995). These forms have all been placed in the Pseudotropheus perspicax group given morphological similarities within this widespread and variably-colored species (Konings 1995).

Natural Habitat. This cichlid hails from Ndumbi reef located near the eastern Tanzanian shore in the northern section of the Lake Malawi. The habitat at Ndumbi and Pombo rocks is reported to be turbulent, rocky waters with cichlids occurring in depths up to 3 meters (Karlsonn 1997). Ribbink et al. (1983) reported the wild diet of P. perspicax as consisting primarily of aufwuchs mixed with small quantities of benthic invertebrates and filamentous algae.

Captive Maintenance. Ps. sp. “red-top ndumbi” is well suited to the cichlid aquarium. The coloration of adult males is a dazzling pairing of a cobalt blue body with a reddish-orange cap that extends from the mouth over the forehead and continuing the entire length of the dorsal fin. The reddish-orange coloration also on the ventral, as well as along the margins of the anal and caudal fins. Females are a plain, grayish-brown with a hint of red-orange coloration in the dorsal. The maximum size of aquarium raised specimens is approximately 105 mm TL (4.25”). This size exceeds that of most “dwarf” species (e.g. Ps. demasoni), though is smaller than many popular mbuna. The aggressive nature of aquarium specimens allows coexistence with many larger species. Karlsonn (1997) also found wild specimens to aggressively defend territories, particularly against interspecific intruders. Wild males of P. perspicax in populations distributed from Ruarwe to Chilumba along the northeastern shore of the lake have also been reported to aggressively defend territories, some of which contain algal gardens, against all intruders (Ribbink et al. 1983). In my experience, larger aquaria (200 L and up) and tankmates comprised of robust mbuna or Malawi “haps” (e.g. Protomelas spp.) have worked best with this species. A group containing a dominant male and multiple females will offer the females safety in numbers from aggressive advances by the male. Spawning behavior is similar to that in other maternal mouthbrooding species. New fry are drab brown in color, similar to adult females. Juvenile males begin to show adult coloration at approximately 45 mm TL (1.75”).

Most commercial feeds appear to be acceptable for this species. I fed a diet consisting of HBH brand “soft and moist w/krill” pellets supplemented with weekly feedings of frozen Artemia to adults with no problems. Fry may be fed crushed pellet or flake supplemented with frozen baby brine shrimp. A diet rich in natural carotenoid pigments (e.g. astaxanthin) will ensure brilliant reddish-orange coloration is displayed in the adult males.

Surprisingly Ps. sp. “red-top ndumbi” has not captured hobbyist interest comparable to the morphologically similar forms, the current hobby favorite being Ps. sp. “polit”. Perhaps confusion about the different varieties available has limited interest. However, this species is well worth the tank space and challenge of maintaining it, given the brilliant coloration and feisty nature of the adults.

Literature Cited

Karlsonn, M. 1997. Ndumbi Reef and Pombo Rocks, part I – south of the Ruhuhu River delta. Buntbarsche Bulletin 180: 9-18.

Konings, A. 1995. Malawi Cichlids in their natural habitat. 2^nd edition. Cichlid Press, Germany, 352pp.

Ribbink, A.J., B.A. Marsh, A.C. Marsh, A.C. Ribbink, and B.J. Sharp. (1983). A preliminary survey of the cichlid fishes of rocky habitats in Lake Malawi. South African Journal of Zoology 18(3): 149-310.

Spreinat, A. 1995. Malawi cichlids from Tanzania. Verduijn Cichlids, 320pp.

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