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Melanochromis vermivorus

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#1 · (Edited)
Scientific Name: Melanochromis vermivorus
Pronunciation: m
-l
n-
-kr
-m
s v
r-m
v-
r-
s
Common Name(s): Purple Mbuna
Geo. Origin: Jalo Reef to Monkey Bay
Habitat: Sediment-Free Rocky Habitat
Diet: Omnivore
Gender Differences: Dimorphic
Breeding: Maternal Mouthbrooder
Temperament: Aggressive
Conspecific Temperament: Highly Aggressive
Maximum Size: 6"
Temperature: 78 - 82°F
pH: 7.8 - 8.6
Water Hardness: Hard


Images:


Male from Jalo


Female from Domwe


Male at Chinyankwazi
Photo Credit: Ad Konings




Comments:
The body is dark blue. Along the back are white to turquoise splotches. Usually starting near the upper lip, while others run along the top of the back. From the eye back through the caudal fin is a similar bar. The other fins are dark blue. Females are similar in coloration, but are smaller and don't have the egg-spots that males have. Depending on location and conditions, M. vermivorus eats loose algae, filamentous algae, benthic invertebrates, zooplankton, and phytoplankton. Because of his highly aggressive behavior, especially with male fish, it is recommended to provide at least one retreat for each fish. Keep one male with several females.
 
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