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Metriaclima nkhunguense (formerly known as Metriaclima sp."blue reef" and Pseudotropheus sp."blue reef) can be found along the coast of Mozambique near Minos Reef and Nkhungu Reef. On both reefs they are living in a rocky habitat and in the intermediate zones from rocks to sand on depths between 7 and 10 metres. At these reefs they can be found together with Metriaclima estherae as a result of which in the past males of "nkhunguense" were often seen for "estherae" males so they ended up as such in trade. These examples were found at Minos Reef. In the lake the males of these species can grow to 10 cm, in the aquarium however they can grow taller because of a good feeding. The males can then grow to about 14 cm, females grow to about 11 cm. Metriaclima nkhunguense can behave quite 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, invertebrates and plankton. 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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