Labeotropheus fuelleborni, which has a lot of geographical variants, can be found all around the lake in a rocky environment, mainly in the breakers zone. Within this species you can find many OB-females and sometimes also some rare O-females and O-males, "marmelade cats" however are very rare. All these variants have their own specific color pattern and also different trade names, like this one which can be found near Namalenje Island in the southwestern part of the lake. In recent years, this variant has been called Labeotropheus obscurus, but this appears to be a synonym of this local variant of Labeotropheus fuelleborni. In the lake the males of these species can grow to 15 cm, in the aquarium however they can grow taller because of a good feeding. The males can then grow to about 18 cm, females grow to about 14 cm. Labeotropheus fuelleborni can behave intolerant against equal species but also to other inhabitants. You can best keep this species with multiple females and other mbuna, also there need to be a lot of hiding places in the aquarium. In the lake they feed itself mainly with algae from the rocks. In the aquarium it is very important we give them food rich of algae, like spirulina pellets or flakes, this must not be missing on their menu. You can also offer them sometimes mysis, artemia, cyclops and shrimp-peas mix. |