Bluegray Mbuna (Melanochromis johannii)

Fish in the family Cichlidae. Moderate care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameMelanochromis johannii

FamilyCichlidae

Also known asElectric Blue Johanni, Johanni Cichlid, Pseudotropheus johannii

Care levelModerate

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentAggressive

DietOmnivore

Adult size4.5 in

Minimum tank size55 gallons

Water parametersTemp 76-82°F, pH 7.8-8.6, GH 10-20 dGH

Appearance

Strong dichromatism: males dark blue/black with electric-blue horizontal stripes; females and juveniles bright orange-yellow.

Difficulty and care for the Bluegray Mbuna

Moderate

Origin and habitat

Lake Malawi, Africa

Keeper notes

Aggressive, territorial mbuna; keep harems. Frequently confused with maingano; males dominate small tanks.

Log Bluegray Mbuna in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Bluegray Mbuna alongside everything else in your reef.

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