Pseudotropheus elongatus
Common Names: Elongatus Mbuna, Blue-Black Elongatus
 
Overview
Pseudotropheus elongatus is a classic Mbuna cichlid from Lake Malawi, known for its bold personality and striking blue-and-black barring. Males develop intense electric-blue highlights, while females remain more subdued. This species is highly active, territorial, and best suited for experienced cichlid keepers with proper rockwork and a Malawi community setup.
A hardy and rewarding Mbuna, ideal for vibrant display tanks with plenty of colour and movement.
 
Distribution
Endemic to Lake Malawi, Africa
Found along rocky shorelines and rubble fields
Fast-moving, oxygen-rich water with abundant algae and aufwuchs
 
Size
10–12 cm (4–4.5")
Males slightly larger and more colourful
 
Lifespan
6–10 years with good care
 
Appearance
Deep blue body with black vertical barring
Males: brighter blue, stronger barring, more defined fin edge pattern
Females: duller brownish/grey with faint stripes
Slender, elongated Mbuna body shape (hence “elongatus”)
 
Behaviour & Temperament
Highly territorial Mbuna species
Best kept in groups to diffuse aggression
Very active and constantly grazing rock surfaces
Males defend a rock cave or crevice
Not suitable for community aquariums outside of Malawi setups
 
Aquarium Requirements
 
Tank Size
Minimum 200–250L for a group
Larger tanks (300L+) strongly preferred for aggression management
 
Water Parameters
Temperature: 24–27°C
pH: 7.8–8.6
Hardness: Medium–hard to very hard (10–25 dGH)
Requires stable, alkaline Malawi conditions
 
Substrate & Décor
Sand or fine gravel
Lots of rockwork to create caves, line-of-sight breaks, and territories
Strong emphasis on hiding spots to reduce aggression
 
Filtration & Flow
Strong filtration
Moderate–high water movement
High oxygenation essential
 
Diet
Primarily herbivorous/algae grazer (Mbuna-type diet):
Spirulina flakes
High-quality veg-based pellets
Algae wafers
Blanched vegetables
Occasional frozen foods (mysis, brine shrimp)
Avoid high-protein foods—risk of Malawi bloat
 
Tankmates
Good (Malawi-only):
Other Mbuna of similar size and temperament
Avoid mixing with overly aggressive species (e.g., Auratus)
Avoid mixing with timid species (risk of bullying)
Not suitable for:
Community fish
Soft-water species
Slow or delicate fish
 
Breeding
Maternal mouthbrooder
Males claim a cave or rock platform
Female carries eggs and fry for 21–28 days
Fry are hardy and accept crushed spirulina foods immediately
 
Care Level
Intermediate to Advanced
Challenges include:
Territorial aggression
Need for proper rockwork
Strict diet requirements
High water quality and oxygenation
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