A robust and highly aggressive Mbuna from Lake Malawi. They are famous for their rapid color changes; while females and juveniles boast striking yellow and black 'bumblebee' bars, dominant males turn almost completely pitch black. In the wild, they are opportunistic feeders that clean parasites from large catfish and steal their eggs.
Bumblebee Cichlid At a Glance
Bumblebee Cichlid Tank Requirements
Will Bumblebee Cichlid fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Bumblebee Cichlid needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Bumblebee Cichlid against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Bumblebee Cichlid Water Parameters
Water care products
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Bumblebee Cichlid Temperament & Compatibility
Bumblebee Cichlid Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male (Dominant)
Dominant males become intensely territorial and lose their yellow striping, turning completely dark brown or jet black. Extremely aggressive, particularly toward other males of the same species or similarly colored fish.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Black Bumblebee, Dominant Male, Dark Morph
Female / Subdominant
Females and subdominant males retain the bright yellow and dark black barring. They are slightly smaller and moderately less aggressive than dominant males. Best kept in a harem (1 male to 3+ females) to disperse male aggression.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Yellow, Striped, Female
Bumblebee Cichlid Care Guide Summary
The Bumblebee Cichlid, scientifically known as Pseudotropheus crabro, belongs to the Cichlids - African family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 15 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a fast growth rate. Classified as aggressive, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Bumblebee Cichlid requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 7.8–8.6 and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Bumblebee Cichlid is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male (Dominant) and Female / Subdominant. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Bumblebee Cichlid Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Bumblebee Cichlid, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured and live planted layouts may be difficult to maintain, as this species tends to uproot or consume vegetation.
Bumblebee Cichlid Compatibility Notes
Classified as aggressive, the Bumblebee Cichlid is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited, and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Bumblebee Cichlid Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Bumblebee Cichlid.
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
Feeding products
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bumblebee Cichlid
How big does Bumblebee Cichlid get?
Bumblebee Cichlid (Pseudotropheus crabro) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 15 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a fast growth rate.
What tank size does Bumblebee Cichlid need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Bumblebee Cichlid. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Bumblebee Cichlid need?
Bumblebee Cichlid thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 7.8 and 8.6, and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Bumblebee Cichlid peaceful or aggressive?
Bumblebee Cichlid is classified as aggressive with an aggression score of 8 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
Can Bumblebee Cichlid live alone?
Yes, Bumblebee Cichlid can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Bumblebee Cichlid have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Bumblebee Cichlid benefits from sand (sifters) and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Bumblebee Cichlid
These plants pair well with Bumblebee Cichlid based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Gillet's Anubias
Anubias gilletii
Java Fern
Leptochilus pteropus
Pothos
Epipremnum aureum
Fish Similar to Bumblebee Cichlid
Electric Blue Johannii
Pseudotropheus johannii
An iconic Mbuna cichlid from Lake Malawi renowned for extreme sexual dimorphism. Males transform into a striking electric blue with dark navy horizontal stripes, while females and juveniles remain a vibrant yellow-orange. Like most Mbuna, they are highly aggressive, territorial, and require hard, alkaline water with extensive rockwork to form caves. They are avid diggers and will destroy most live plants.
Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red)
Metriaclima estherae
A highly popular and vibrant Mbuna cichlid from Lake Malawi. The 'Cherry Red' or Orange morph is a favorite for African Cichlid setups. They are rock-dwelling (Mbuna), highly territorial, and require a diet rich in vegetable matter (algae/spirulina) to avoid Malawi Bloat. Best kept in a harem ratio of 1 male to 3+ females.
Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna)
Chindongo demasoni
A stunning but notoriously aggressive dwarf Mbuna from Lake Malawi. Known for its intense dark blue and black vertical stripes. They are strict herbivores (Aufwuchs grazers) and prone to 'Malawi Bloat' if fed high-protein diets. Due to extreme aggression toward their own kind, they require specific stocking densities.
Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna)
Melanochromis auratus
The Auratus Cichlid is a stunning but notoriously aggressive Mbuna from Lake Malawi. They exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism. They are strictly rock-dwellers that graze on algae (aufwuchs). Due to their hyper-aggressive nature, they must be kept in species-only or carefully managed, overstocked Mbuna setups with a strict harem ratio (1 male to several females) to disperse aggression.
Cobalt Blue Zebra
Metriaclima callainos
A striking and highly active Mbuna cichlid endemic to the rocky shores of Lake Malawi. Known for its brilliant, solid cobalt blue coloration (though white morphs exist). Like most Mbuna, they are highly territorial, rock-grazing herbivores. They require an alkaline environment, a sandy substrate for digging, and extensive rockwork to establish territories. To manage aggression, they are best kept either in heavily populated, mixed all-male Mbuna tanks or in species harems (1 male to 3+ females).
Butterfly Peacock Cichlid
Aulonocara jacobfreibergi
One of the most colorful and slightly more aggressive Peacock cichlids from Lake Malawi. They are obligate sand-sifters that search for benthic invertebrates. They require hard, alkaline water and plenty of rocky caves. Like most Aulonocara, they exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism.