Pseudotropheus benetos "Kirondo"
Pseudotropheus benetos (old name is Pseudotropheus sp."tursiops chitande") can be found in the northern part of the lake, along the eastcoast between Nkanda and Manda and along the westcoast between Chirwa Island and Ngara. They are living there in the undeep intermediate zones from rocks to sand. It`s a very territorial species which defends its cave fiercely. The examples shown here are F1-offspring from parental fish which were caught near Kirondo on the eastcoast.
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.
Pseudotropheus benetos 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 mbunas in an aquarium with a lot of hiding places.
In the lake they are mainly feeding themselves with algae which they find on the rocks. 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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