Freshwater
Cichlid
More details
Three Spot Torpedo Cichlid (Exochochromis anagenys)
Pro
Pro
Description
A predatory Haplochromine cichlid from Lake Malawi, the Three Spot Torpedo Cichlid boasts a streamlined, torpedo-shaped body with electric blue tones and three dark lateral blotches. This large, aggressive hunter requires a spacious tank and expert-level care.
Difficulty Level
Expert Only
Region
Three Spot Torpedo Cichlid (Exochochromis anagenys)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Demands large tanks, careful aggression management, and a protein-rich diet.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Wild-caught specimens still common; some captive breeding exists. Sustainability depends on source.
Origin
Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. Found in rocky to intermediate habitats with open swimming zones where it actively hunts smaller fish.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Sleek and muscular with intense blue coloration in dominant males, accented by three dark spots along the flank. Fast, confident swimmer with a powerful strike behavior. Juveniles are silver with faint markings that intensify with age.
Purpose
Functions as a top predator in cichlid display tanks or predator-themed biotopes. Adds dramatic motion and presence with its bold size and colors. Demonstrates interesting hunting patterns and territorial flares.
Importance
Rare in the hobby, but appreciated by experienced aquarists who manage large African setups. Valuable for showcasing Malawi’s predator guild and for specialized biotope recreations.
Included Resources
Requires strong filtration, ample swimming space, rockwork for shelter, and a high-protein diet. Compatible with large Haps or robust mbuna species only.
Best Use Cases
Ideal in large, Lake Malawi predator tanks or advanced African setups. Should not be housed with small or delicate species.
Conservation Context
Listed as Least Concern but locally impacted by overfishing. Sustainable sourcing from breeders is preferred when possible.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Fossorochromis rostratus
• Dimidiochromis compressiceps
• Aristochromis christyi
• Large Synodontis catfish
• Avoid small or peaceful tankmates
Region (A)
• Latitude: -11.9500° S
• Longitude: 34.0333° E
(Southeastern Lake Malawi, near Makanjila area)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -12.1000° S
• Longitude: 34.7333° E
(Nkhudzi Bay, Malawi — known collection site)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Three Spot Torpedo Cichlid (Exochochromis anagenys)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Demands large tanks, careful aggression management, and a protein-rich diet.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Wild-caught specimens still common; some captive breeding exists. Sustainability depends on source.
Origin
Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. Found in rocky to intermediate habitats with open swimming zones where it actively hunts smaller fish.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Sleek and muscular with intense blue coloration in dominant males, accented by three dark spots along the flank. Fast, confident swimmer with a powerful strike behavior. Juveniles are silver with faint markings that intensify with age.
Purpose
Functions as a top predator in cichlid display tanks or predator-themed biotopes. Adds dramatic motion and presence with its bold size and colors. Demonstrates interesting hunting patterns and territorial flares.
Importance
Rare in the hobby, but appreciated by experienced aquarists who manage large African setups. Valuable for showcasing Malawi’s predator guild and for specialized biotope recreations.
Included Resources
Requires strong filtration, ample swimming space, rockwork for shelter, and a high-protein diet. Compatible with large Haps or robust mbuna species only.
Best Use Cases
Ideal in large, Lake Malawi predator tanks or advanced African setups. Should not be housed with small or delicate species.
Conservation Context
Listed as Least Concern but locally impacted by overfishing. Sustainable sourcing from breeders is preferred when possible.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Fossorochromis rostratus
• Dimidiochromis compressiceps
• Aristochromis christyi
• Large Synodontis catfish
• Avoid small or peaceful tankmates
Region (A)
• Latitude: -11.9500° S
• Longitude: 34.0333° E
(Southeastern Lake Malawi, near Makanjila area)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -12.1000° S
• Longitude: 34.7333° E
(Nkhudzi Bay, Malawi — known collection site)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Three Spot Torpedo Cichlid (Exochochromis anagenys)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Demands large tanks, careful aggression management, and a protein-rich diet.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Wild-caught specimens still common; some captive breeding exists. Sustainability depends on source.
Origin
Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. Found in rocky to intermediate habitats with open swimming zones where it actively hunts smaller fish.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Sleek and muscular with intense blue coloration in dominant males, accented by three dark spots along the flank. Fast, confident swimmer with a powerful strike behavior. Juveniles are silver with faint markings that intensify with age.
Purpose
Functions as a top predator in cichlid display tanks or predator-themed biotopes. Adds dramatic motion and presence with its bold size and colors. Demonstrates interesting hunting patterns and territorial flares.
Importance
Rare in the hobby, but appreciated by experienced aquarists who manage large African setups. Valuable for showcasing Malawi’s predator guild and for specialized biotope recreations.
Included Resources
Requires strong filtration, ample swimming space, rockwork for shelter, and a high-protein diet. Compatible with large Haps or robust mbuna species only.
Best Use Cases
Ideal in large, Lake Malawi predator tanks or advanced African setups. Should not be housed with small or delicate species.
Conservation Context
Listed as Least Concern but locally impacted by overfishing. Sustainable sourcing from breeders is preferred when possible.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Fossorochromis rostratus
• Dimidiochromis compressiceps
• Aristochromis christyi
• Large Synodontis catfish
• Avoid small or peaceful tankmates
Region (A)
• Latitude: -11.9500° S
• Longitude: 34.0333° E
(Southeastern Lake Malawi, near Makanjila area)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -12.1000° S
• Longitude: 34.7333° E
(Nkhudzi Bay, Malawi — known collection site)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Three Spot Torpedo Cichlid (Exochochromis anagenys)
Region
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