A robust, highly active Mbuna cichlid from Lake Malawi, easily recognized by its distinct fleshy, overhanging snout used for scraping algae (aufwuchs) from rocks. They are fiercely territorial and require a strictly herbivorous diet to avoid fatal digestive issues like Malawi Bloat.
Fuelleborn's Cichlid At a Glance
Fuelleborn's Cichlid Tank Requirements
Will Fuelleborn's Cichlid fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Fuelleborn's Cichlid needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Fuelleborn's Cichlid against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Fuelleborn's Cichlid Water Parameters
Water care products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Fuelleborn's Cichlid Temperament & Compatibility
Fuelleborn's Cichlid Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Dominant males display intense coloration (typically blue, varying by collection point). Highly intolerant of rival males of the same species. Must be kept in a harem ratio of 1 male to 3+ females.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Standard Male, Blue Morph
Female
Often display the 'OB' (Orange Blotch) pattern or a drabber grey/brown. Slightly less aggressive than males, but must be kept in groups of 3+ to disperse the dominant male's breeding aggression.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: OB Female, Orange Blotch
Male (Marmalade Cat)
A highly sought-after, naturally occurring 'OB' (Orange Blotch) male morph. Exhibits the same intense territorial aggression and harem requirements as standard males.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Marmalade Cat, OB Male, Orange Blotch Male
Fuelleborn's Cichlid Care Guide Summary
The Fuelleborn's Cichlid, scientifically known as Labeotropheus fuelleborni, belongs to the Cichlids - African family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 15 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate 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 Fuelleborn's 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 Fuelleborn's Cichlid is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 3 varieties: Male, Female, and Male (Marmalade Cat). 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.
Fuelleborn's Cichlid Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Fuelleborn's 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 an established tank with natural algae growth, as they depend on it as a primary food source. 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.
Fuelleborn's Cichlid Compatibility Notes
Classified as aggressive, the Fuelleborn's Cichlid is a social species that requires the company of its own kind to thrive. 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.
Fuelleborn's Cichlid Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Fuelleborn's Cichlid.
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
180 Gallon Standard
240 Liter (120cm Standard)
Feeding products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
.webp?2026-04-25T14%3A35%3A38.022Z)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fuelleborn's Cichlid
How big does Fuelleborn's Cichlid get?
Fuelleborn's Cichlid (Labeotropheus fuelleborni) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 15 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Fuelleborn's Cichlid need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Fuelleborn's Cichlid. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Fuelleborn's Cichlid need?
Fuelleborn's 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 Fuelleborn's Cichlid peaceful or aggressive?
Fuelleborn's Cichlid is classified as aggressive with an aggression score of 8 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
Can Fuelleborn's Cichlid live alone?
No, Fuelleborn's Cichlid should be kept in groups of at least 4 to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.
Does Fuelleborn's Cichlid have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Fuelleborn's Cichlid benefits from sand (sifters) and established algae (otocinclus) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Fuelleborn's Cichlid
These plants pair well with Fuelleborn's 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 Fuelleborn's Cichlid
Trewavas' Cichlid
Labeotropheus trewavasae
A distinctive, rock-dwelling Mbuna from Lake Malawi easily identified by its fleshy, overhanging snout. They use this specialized mouth to scrape algae (aufwuchs) from rocks while remaining parallel to the surface. Highly active and aggressively territorial, they require a heavily rock-scaped tank, hard alkaline water, and a strict herbivorous diet to prevent 'Malawi bloat'.
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.
Afra Cichlid
Cynotilapia afra
A highly active and aggressive Mbuna (rock-dwelling cichlid) endemic to Lake Malawi. Distinctive for their unicuspid 'dog-like' teeth, they natively feed on zooplankton in the water column but remain tied to rocky territories. They require a hard, alkaline water environment with abundant rockwork for hiding and establishing territories. Best kept in a densely stocked, carefully managed species harem or Mbuna community to disperse extreme aggression.
Chipokae Mbuna
Melanochromis chipokae
A highly aggressive, torpedo-shaped Mbuna cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi. Known for intense sexual dimorphism, this species is extremely territorial. They require a rock-heavy setup to provide caves and break sightlines, along with hard, alkaline water. They graze on algae (Aufwuchs) and require a low-protein diet to prevent Malawi bloat.
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).
Socolofi Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Socolofi)
Chindongo socolofi
A stunning and highly active Mbuna cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi. Unusually for Mbuna, both males and females share the same striking powder blue coloration. Like most Mbuna, they are highly aggressive, territorial, and require a rock-filled aquarium with hard, alkaline water. They graze on algae (aufwuchs) in the wild and are prone to fatal 'Malawi bloat' if fed diets high in animal protein.