A striking 'dwarf' Mbuna from Lake Malawi. Originally known in the trade as Pseudotropheus sp. 'Kingsizei', it is a highly active and deeply territorial rock-dwelling cichlid. They require hard, alkaline water, a sandy substrate for digging, and an algae-heavy, low-protein diet to prevent 'Malawi Bloat'.
Pseudotropheus sp. Kingsizei At a Glance
Pseudotropheus sp. Kingsizei Tank Requirements
Will Pseudotropheus sp. Kingsizei fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Pseudotropheus sp. Kingsizei needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Pseudotropheus sp. Kingsizei against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Pseudotropheus sp. Kingsizei Water Parameters
Water care products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Pseudotropheus sp. Kingsizei Temperament & Compatibility
Pseudotropheus sp. Kingsizei Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males display a brilliant pale, icy blue body with bold, dark vertical barring. They are fiercely territorial and will aggressively defend their rock caves. Best kept as a single male alongside multiple females to form a harem.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Dominant Male, Blue Kingsizei
Female
Females are highly sexually dimorphic compared to males, exhibiting a drab, muted brown-grey or faint pale blue coloration. Keeping 3 to 4 females per male is required to disperse his aggressive breeding behavior.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Brown Mbuna, Female Kingsizei
Pseudotropheus sp. Kingsizei Care Guide Summary
The Pseudotropheus sp. Kingsizei, scientifically known as Metriaclima pulpican, belongs to the Cichlids - African family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 9 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 Pseudotropheus sp. Kingsizei 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 7.5–8.5 and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Pseudotropheus sp. Kingsizei is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male and Female. 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.
Pseudotropheus sp. Kingsizei Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Pseudotropheus sp. Kingsizei, 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.
Pseudotropheus sp. Kingsizei Compatibility Notes
Classified as aggressive, the Pseudotropheus sp. Kingsizei 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.
Pseudotropheus sp. Kingsizei Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Pseudotropheus sp. Kingsizei.
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 Pseudotropheus sp. Kingsizei
How big does Pseudotropheus sp. Kingsizei get?
Pseudotropheus sp. Kingsizei (Metriaclima pulpican) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 9 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Pseudotropheus sp. Kingsizei need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Pseudotropheus sp. Kingsizei. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Pseudotropheus sp. Kingsizei need?
Pseudotropheus sp. Kingsizei thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 7.5 and 8.5, and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Pseudotropheus sp. Kingsizei peaceful or aggressive?
Pseudotropheus sp. Kingsizei is classified as aggressive with an aggression score of 8 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
Can Pseudotropheus sp. Kingsizei live alone?
No, Pseudotropheus sp. Kingsizei should be kept in groups of at least 4 to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.
Does Pseudotropheus sp. Kingsizei have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Pseudotropheus sp. Kingsizei 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 Pseudotropheus sp. Kingsizei
These plants pair well with Pseudotropheus sp. Kingsizei 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
Belinda's Buce
Bucephalandra belindae
Buce Motleyana
Bucephalandra motleyana
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Dwarf Buce
Bucephalandra pygmaea
Fish Similar to Pseudotropheus sp. Kingsizei
Elongatus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Elongatus)
Chindongo elongatus
The Elongatus Cichlid is a highly active, slender mbuna endemic to Lake Malawi. Formerly classified as Pseudotropheus elongatus, it is notorious for being one of the most aggressive and territorial of all mbuna. They require a strictly herbivorous diet (grazing on algae/aufwuchs) and a large aquarium heavily decorated with rocks to break sightlines. Due to extreme conspecific aggression, they are best kept in harems (1 male to 4+ females) or in a carefully planned, overstocked mixed-species mbuna tank.
Saulosi Cichlid
Chindongo saulosi
A critically endangered 'dwarf' Mbuna cichlid from Lake Malawi, famous for its extreme sexual dimorphism. Females and juveniles are a vibrant, solid yellow, while dominant males transform into a striking light blue with thick black vertical bars. Like all Mbuna, they are rock-dwelling aufwuchs grazers that require a strict harem structure (1 male to 3+ females) to manage their aggressive and territorial nature.
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.
Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus)
Chindongo flavus
An aggressive but striking Mbuna cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi (specifically around Chinyankwazi Island). Formerly classified as Pseudotropheus, they inhabit rocky areas and graze on aufwuchs (algae and microorganisms). They require hard, alkaline water, complex rockwork for territories, and are best kept in harems to manage their extreme conspecific aggression.
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.
Kenyi Cichlid
Maylandia lombardoi
The Kenyi Cichlid is a stunning but notoriously aggressive Mbuna from Lake Malawi. They exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism: females and juveniles are pale blue with dark vertical bars, while mature males undergo a complete transformation to a vibrant golden-yellow. Due to their extreme territoriality, they must be kept in large, overstocked, rock-heavy tanks to disperse aggression, typically in a harem (one male to multiple females).