
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Chindongo saulosi
A small mbuna known only from Taiwan Reef in Lake Malawi. Females stay yellow for life while mature males turn blue with black bars, so a single tank shows two colours at once.
Chindongo saulosi is a small mbuna known only from Taiwan Reef in Lake Malawi. FishBase records a maximum of 8.6cm TL, and it lives in the upper, sediment-free rocky zone where the current is strong. Juveniles of both sexes are yellow, but mature males change to blue with black vertical bars, so a tank holds both colours at once. Females are maternal mouthbrooders that carry eggs and fry for 13 to 18 days, and breeding is not difficult in a well-rocked tank. Keep it at 23-27C in the hard alkaline water typical for Lake Malawi mbuna. Wild numbers have fallen sharply; the IUCN assesses the species as Critically Endangered and captive-bred fish are being used to restock Taiwan Reef. Because the range is a single reef, no locality variants exist.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Saulosi Cichlid lives 5-8 years.
The Saulosi Cichlid grows to 8-9cm.
The ideal temperature for the Saulosi Cichlid is 23〜27℃.
Origin
Taiwan Reef, Lake Malawi, Africa (endemic)
Lifespan
5-8 years
Size
8-9cm
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Chindongo saulosi (Konings, 1990)
Synonyms: Pseudotropheus saulosi
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / FishBase (IUCN assessment: CR)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Temperature
23〜27℃
Spirulina-based prepared foods, frozen foods
Build plenty of territories and caves from rock. It comes from a high-current rocky zone, so provide reasonable flow.
23-27C. Maintain the hard alkaline water typical for Lake Malawi mbuna.
Males resemble one another and therefore fight. One male with several females is the easiest arrangement.
As with other algae-grazing mbuna, base the diet on vegetable matter such as spirulina.
A mouthbrooder. The female holds the brood for 13 to 18 days until the fry can swim.
The wild population is assessed as Critically Endangered, so maintaining captive-bred stock matters for this species.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Saulosi Cichlid is 23〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Saulosi Cichlid is 5-8 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Saulosi Cichlid typically reaches 8-9cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Saulosi Cichlid feeds on: Spirulina-based prepared foods, frozen foods. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Saulosi Cichlid varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026