Hornet Cichlid

Maylandia crabro has an interesting and confusing taxonomic history. It was originally placed in the Melanocromis genus, and indeed many shops and aquarists still refer to this fish as Melanochromis crabro. In 1984 in a review of some of the mbuna genera from Lake Malawi, the “crabro” was moved to the Pseudotropheus genus. In a latter reorganisation of the Pseudotropheus genus, Pseudotropheus crabro found itself moved again, this time- and finally we all hope, to Maylandia (sometimes also in the junior syn. Metriaclima).

In its natural environments it is believed that M. crabro acts as a kind of “cleaner fish” feeding on parasites from larger fishes. In the tank environment however M. crabro is an unfussy omnivore which will take all manner of prepared, frozen and live foods. Larger quantities of vegetable matter such as nori, lettuce and boiled zuccini seem to also be of value to this fish.

Good tankmates for this fish include most other mbuna species, larger more aggressive Lake Malawi cichlids such as Nimbochromis venustus or Tyrannochromis fuscotaeniatus. Catfish such as Synodontis multipuntatus and Plecostomos species are also good. Maitinence is best in Lake Malawi water chemistry ie: higher pH and kH (round 8.0 and 10o respectively).

Species Name: Maylandia crabro
Common Name(s):Hornet cichlid
Country of Origin: Lake Malawi
Diet: Micropreditor
Water Chemistry: pH > 7.5, kH > 8
Temperature: > 25 C

Oddly for such a strikingly coloured mbuna M. crabro is relatively scarce in Sydney compared to other mbuna species. Colouration of this fish is extremely changeable, from the standard black baring on a yellow/cream body, a number of blue highlights can also be seen from time to time. (See above photo). Juveniles have must brighter yellow body colour which sadly does fade a little with age to a creamy colour.

Like other mbuna, M. crabro is best kept in harems or larger colonies with a 1m:3f ratio if possible. However sexing this fish is difficult and as their seems to be fairly minimal male:male aggression more males do not seem to do the colony harm. M. crabro is a typical maternal mouthbrooder, with larger mouthfuls on mature fish of up to 40 fry.

A rarer mbuna, worth a look. Be sure to buy unrelated individuals if you intend to breed the species.

	Hornet Cichlid Maylandia crabro has an interesting and confusing taxonomic history. It was originally placed in the Melanocromis genus, and indeed many shops and aquarists still refer to this fish as Melanochromis crabro. In 1984 in a review of some of the mbuna genera from Lake Malawi, the “crabro” was moved to the Pseudotropheus genus. In a latter reorganisation of the Pseudotropheus genus, Pseudotropheus crabro found itself moved again, this time- and finally we all hope, to Maylandia (sometimes also in the junior syn. Metriaclima). In its natural environments it is believed that M. crabro acts as a kind of “cleaner fish” feeding on parasites from larger fishes. In the tank environment however M. crabro is an unfussy omnivore which will take all manner of prepared, frozen and live foods. Larger quantities of vegetable matter such as nori, lettuce and boiled zuccini seem to also be of value to this fish. Good tankmates for this fish include most other mbuna species, larger more aggressive Lake Malawi cichlids such as Nimbochromis venustus or Tyrannochromis fuscotaeniatus. Catfish such as Synodontis multipuntatus and Plecostomos species are also good. Maitinence is best in Lake Malawi water chemistry ie: higher pH and kH (round 8.0 and 10o respectively). Species Name: Maylandia crabro Common Name(s):Hornet cichlid Country of Origin: Lake Malawi Diet: Micropreditor Water Chemistry: pH > 7.5, kH > 8 Temperature: > 25 C Oddly for such a strikingly coloured mbuna M. crabro is relatively scarce in Sydney compared to other mbuna species. Colouration of this fish is extremely changeable, from the standard black baring on a yellow/cream body, a number of blue highlights can also be seen from time to time. (See above photo). Juveniles have must brighter yellow body colour which sadly does fade a little with age to a creamy colour. Like other mbuna, M. crabro is best kept in harems or larger colonies with a 1m:3f ratio if possible. However sexing this fish is difficult and as their seems to be fairly minimal male:male aggression more males do not seem to do the colony harm. M. crabro is a typical maternal mouthbrooder, with larger mouthfuls on mature fish of up to 40 fry. A rarer mbuna, worth a look. Be sure to buy unrelated individuals if you intend to breed the species.	Keeping Cichlids Rare Cichlids Cichlid Names Feeding Cichlids Breeding Cichlids Importable Cichlids Cichlid Hybrids Cichlid Profiles Cichlid Companions --------- New Fish Aquarium Setup Nitrogen Cycle Aquarium Hardness Aquarium Rocks Aquarium Wood Aquarium Plants Non Aquatic Plants Live Food Dyed Fish Freighting Fish Algae --------- DIY Carbon Dioxide DIY Cichlid Food DIY Egg Tumbler DIY Tank Rack DIY Background DIY Fry Nursery DIY Brine Shrimp DIY Alternafix DIY Pot Cave --------- DIY Bucket Filter DIY Simple Filter DIY Trickle Filter DIY UG Filter DIY Fluid Bed Filter DIY Baffle Filter DIY Sponge Filter Corner Filters Filter Carbon FAQ Bio Balls Plenum -------- Aquarium Gallery Resources ---------------------------- US Aquarium & Fish Keeping Products AU Aquarium Product Supplies ----------------------------