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Metriaclima nigrodorsalis, which has a some geographical variation, can be found on some locations along the coast of Mozambique between N`kolongwe and Meponda. The variant shown here which was known before as Metriaclima sp."black dorsal nkolongwe" and Pseudotropheus sp."black dorsal nkolongwe" can only be found in the neighbourhood of N`kolongwe. Mainly they are living there in the intermediate zones from rocks to sand on depths between 4 and 20 metres were the rocks on depths of more then 10 metres are covered with a thick layer of sediment. In the lake the males of these species can grow to 11 cm, in the aquarium however they can grow a little taller because of a good feeding. The males can then grow to about 13 cm, females grow to about 11 cm. Metriaclima nigrodorsalis can behave intolerant against equal species, against other inhabitants they are in general tolerant. You can best keep this species with multiple females and other mbuna in an aquarium with a lot of hiding places. In the lake they are mainly feeding themselves with algae and invertebrates which are living in these algae. In the aquarium they are comfortable with any food. They take everything they get offered, like spirulina pellets, mysis, artemia, cyclops and shrimp-peas mix. Food rich of algae like spirulina pellets or flakes is very important to them so this should not be missing on their menu. 
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