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Melanochromis heterochromis (formerly known as Melanochromis vermivorus) can be found in every rocky environment without sediment between Jalo Reef and Monkey Bay, also at the Maleri Islands, Chidunga Rocks, round Nankhumba, Chinyankwazi and Chinyamwezi, Luawala Reef and Chimwalani Reef. This is a species with some geographical variants like this one which can be found in the neighbourhood of Jalo Reef. In the lake the males of these species can grow to 10 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 10 cm. Melanochromis heterochromis can behave intolerant against equal male 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 everything they can find in the material which is swirled up by other fish and anything they can find on the rocks like 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 algea like spirulina pellets or flakes is very important to them so this should not be missing on their menu. 
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