| Scientific Name: Pseudotropheus crabro |
| Pronunciation: s
|
| Common Name(s): Bumble Bee, Hornet |
| Geo. Origin: Lake Malawi |
| Habitat: Deep Rocky Habitat |
| Diet: Omnivore |
| Gender Differences: Dimorphic |
| Breeding: Maternal Mouthbrooder |
| Temperament: Aggressive |
| Conspecific Temperament: Aggressive |
| Maximum Size: 8" |
| Temperature: 78 - 82°F |
| pH: 7.8 - 8.6 |
| Water Hardness: Hard |
| Difficulty: 1 |
Images: |
Female Large Male Female Male with long ventrals Female 2" female Male Subadult female Large male Female Female Young male |
Photo Credit: Nicky Bize |
Comments: |
The crabro lives in large caves together with a large, bagrid catfish, the Kampango. The crabro can change its color very rapidly from Black to the attractive gold barred "bumble bee" look. It does that, because while barred, the catfish tolerates Ps. crabro to pick parasites from its skin. The catfish are also cave spawners, exuding thousands of eggs which make a tasty snack for Ps. crabro. When the catfish spawns, Ps. crabro quickly turns murky black color to steal the eggs. They then quickly change back to the "safe" barred configuration. |