Melanochromis

The golden mbuna, Melanochromis auratus, is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, common down the western coast and along the southern end of the lake. One of the most aggressive and territorial mbuna, it is not recommended for the beginner. Mature males turn dark, unlike the golden females and juveniles, and older females often darken until they superficially resemble males. Other Melanochromis should not be kept with it, as they may hybridise.

Melanochromis chipokae is an mbuna endemic to Lake Malawi, found only around Chindunga Rocks, a reef just off the island of Chipoka. One of the predatory 'pike auratus' group, it eats fry as well as crustaceans and algae. Females and juvenile males are easily confused with M. auratus, but have a more pointed mouth and a fully striped caudal fin. Arguably the most aggressive mbuna, it is not recommended for the beginner.

Melanochromis cyaneorhabdos is an mbuna endemic to Lake Malawi, known from one locality on the northeastern shore of Likoma Island. Formerly known as M. 'maingano', it is sometimes incorrectly sold as 'electric blue' johanni. Dominant males are bluish overall, where the similar M. johanni has more black patterning. Aggressive and territorial, it should not be kept with other Melanochromis, as they may hybridise.

Melanochromis johanni is an mbuna endemic to Lake Malawi, found in shallow rocky coastal areas around Masinje Rocks and Cape Ngombo. Males are blue-black with bright blue striping and females orange. The blacker dominant males separate it from the bluer M. cyaneorhabdos, and it is sometimes sold as 'electric blue johanni'. Less aggressive than most Melanochromis, it can be housed with similarly-sized mbuna.

Melanochromis lepidiadaptes is an mbuna endemic to Lake Malawi, found only in a limited area around Makanjila Point on the eastern side. Originally sold as M. fuscus and then M. sp. 'lepidophage', it apparently feeds almost solely on the scales of other species in nature, though not other mbuna. Relatively peaceful for a Melanochromis, it suits a Lake Malawi aquarium with cichlids of similar size and disposition.