Bumblebee Cichlid - Pseudotropheus crabro Fish Profile & Care Guide
Introduction
The Bumblebee Cichlid (Pseudotropheus crabro) has garnered considerable popularity among freshwater fish enthusiasts worldwide, owing to its strikingly vibrant appearance and captivating behaviour.
In their natural habitat, Bumblebee Cichlids are known for their territorial tendencies, particularly during the breeding season and when establishing dominance within the aquarium.
While they require specific care and attention due to their territorial behaviour, providing a suitable environment can lead to a rewarding and enjoyable aquarium experience. Always remember to research and learn about the needs of any fish species before considering them as pets, and opt for responsible sourcing to support the conservation of these beautiful creatures.
To ensure a harmonious environment, it is recommended to house them in a species-only tank, ideally with one male accompanied by several females in a harem setup. Keeping only one female with a male can lead to continual harassment and potential fatalities. They can coexist with other Lake Malawi Cichlids of similar size and temperament, as well as other outgoing Mbuna species, though it is advisable to avoid fish with analogous colour patterns.
Providing an appropriate aquarium setup is vital for the well-being of these cichlids. A tank with a minimum length of 4 feet should be arranged to mimic a rocky reef habitat, incorporating ample caves and a sandy substrate. Utilising ocean rock decor to build sturdy structures from the tank's base to near the water's surface is recommended. These structures should offer numerous crevices for the fish to explore while ensuring stability even if they begin digging around or underneath them.
Though coral sand or Aragonite substrates are often suggested to maintain hard and alkaline water conditions, Bumblebee Cichlids tend to feel more secure and display better colours over a darker substrate.
If water buffering is required, Aragonite or coral sand can be placed inside a mesh bag and positioned in the external filter. Additional filtration may be necessary to handle the considerable bioload produced by these fish. Selecting robust plants that can tolerate challenging water conditions is a suitable choice for the aquarium.
The appearance of the Bumblebee Cichlid varies based on sex, age, and geographic location. Males exhibit dark yellow or blue hues, characterised by eight or nine black transverse bars. The first bar is situated on the upper lip, followed by one through the eye, and the last near the base of the caudal fin.
Some populations may display horizontal stripes alongside the transverse bars. Females, on the other hand, typically showcase paler yellow colouration with dark brown vertical bars, and both sexes have grey to black fins. These cichlids possess the unique ability to alter their colouration swiftly, transitioning from the alluring gold-barred "bumble bee" appearance to an almost jet-black hue.
In their natural habitat, this colour change occurs when they prey on the eggs of Bagrus Catfish, which also inhabit and spawn in the same caves. Bumblebee Cichlids have specialised in feeding on parasites found on these large Catfishes, and the Catfishes, in turn, seem to recognise and tolerate them as cleaner fish.
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Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Bumblebee Cichlids is a straightforward process. Mature males exhibit a slight size advantage and boast more pronounced and vivid colouration in comparison to females. Additionally, male Bumblebee Cichlids often possess discernible egg spots on their anal fins, though it should be noted that this characteristic may not always serve as a definitive marker.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Pseudotropheus crabro |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1982 |
| Other Names | Hornet Cichlid |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cichliformes |
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Genus | Pseudomugil |
| Origins | Malawi Mozambique Tanzania |
| Approx Max Size | 20 cm |
| Temperament | Aggressive |
| Aquarium Level | Middle |
| Difficulty | Intermediate - Advanced |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | 1 Male + Several Females |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Mouthbrooder |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 10 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 7.5 - 8.5 |
| GH | 10 - 25 |
| ℉ | 75 - 84 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 24 - 29 |
Natural Habitat
The Bumblebee Cichlid is an endemic species of Lake Malawi, with its distribution encompassing various deepwater rocky habitats across the lake. This includes prominent locations such as Likoma Island, Chisumulu Island, Chiyamwezi Island, Eccles Reef, Chinyankwazi Island, Maleri Island, Mbenji Island, West Reef and Nkata Bay. Within these areas, the Cichlids predominantly inhabit substantial caves, where they coexist with the sizable Bagrid Catfish.
Breeding
Bumblebee Cichlids can be successfully bred in aquarium settings and are known for their maternal mouthbrooding behaviour. To initiate the breeding process, it is advisable to acquire a group of juvenile cichlids and raise them together, keeping in mind that dominant males have a propensity to eliminate rivals, including subdominant males, necessitating their removal over time.
To induce breeding, a more considerable water change can be performed, prompting the male to exhibit a deepening of colour, often turning nearly jet black. The dominant male establishes a territory, typically centred around a flat stone or large rock, and endeavours to attract females for mating.
When a female is ready to spawn, she swims into the designated spawning area and deposits approximately 20 to 60 eggs before promptly collecting them into her mouth. The male then displays his anal fin with conspicuous egg spots, encouraging the female also to attempt to take in the eggs. At this point, the male releases sperm, fertilising the eggs inside the female's mouth.
The eggs undergo an incubation period within the female's mouth, lasting 17 to 21 days, after which she releases the free-swimming fry. Throughout the incubation phase, the male might harass the female, leading to the possibility of her spitting out or consuming the brood. Thus, providing numerous hiding places and caves where the female can seek refuge is essential.
An alternative approach involves placing the female in a separate aquarium during the incubation period. Some experienced breeders remove the fry from the mother's mouth after 18 days and raise them artificially. This is because females can tend to over-incubate the fry, leading to their weakened state upon release.
The fry develops rapidly, and the female continues to guard the young for a few days post-release. Such practices enhance the chances of successful breeding and foster the growth and well-being of the offspring.
Diet & Feeding
Within their natural habitat, Bumblebee Cichlids predominantly display an omnivorous feeding behaviour, consuming a diverse range of sustenance, including small aquatic invertebrates, algae, plant matter, and even Catfish eggs.
In a captive environment, their nutritional requirements can be adequately met with a balanced diet comprising high-quality pellets, flakes, and frozen or live foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms.
Nonetheless, to ensure their optimal well-being and colouration, it is imperative to supplement their diet with essential vegetable matter, such as spirulina and spinach. Providing a varied and comprehensive diet is pivotal in maintaining their overall health and vibrant appearance.
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Published: 31 Jul 2023
Last Updated: 31 Jul 2023