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Metriaclima xanstomachus can be found in the neighbourhood of the Maleri islands, Chidunga Rocks and Chipoka. They are living there in the upper waterlevel were the males are defending caves on good visible places between the rocks. A lot of times the females build small groups or sometimes they swim around alone. In every population of Metriaclima xanstomachus you can find O and OB-females, "marmelade cats" however are very rare. These marmelade cats (MC) and O-female are F1-offspring from parental fish which were caught in the neighbourhood of Maleri Island. In the lake the males of these species can grow to 13 cm, in the aquarium however they can grow a little taller because of a good feeding. The males can then grow to about 15 cm, females grow to about 10 cm. Metriaclima xanstomachus 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, 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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