Like all Melanochromis species, Electric Blue Johanni Cichlid has horizontally striped males and females of different colors. Males are a variable bluish black with pale blue or royal blue stripes. The dramatically different females are orange or yellow-orange with indistinct blackish stripes. Electric Blue Johanni Cichlid is currently one of the more widely available mbuna species, at least in the USA. Unfortunately, like most members of the genus Melanochromis, this one has aggressive, territorial males which require a large aquarium with plenty of rockwork or other hiding places. If not provided with such quarters, the dominant male may pursue and kill any subdominant males and perhaps females that are not ready to spawn. Thus, this is emphatically not a fish for the novice cichlid keeper, even though it is beautiful and widely available.
Name: Electric Blue Johanni Cichlid
Scientific Name: Pseudotropheus johannii
Group information: Lake Malawi Herbivorous Cichlid
Experience Level: Advanced
Housing: Tank Size - 50 gallons
Behavior: Aggressive
Compatibility: See Care Guide
Swim Level: Middle