Origin
Endemic to Lake Malawi, especially around the areas of Nkhata Bay and the Ngara region, where they inhabit rocky shallows and sandy lake margins.

Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Deep indigo-blue body with a striking yellow tail and dorsal fin. Schooling behavior and constant motion make them visually dynamic. Less territorial than most Mbuna.

Purpose
Perfect for adding movement, color, and peaceful schooling energy to African setups. They graze on algae and contribute to a tank’s micro-ecosystem.

Importance
Their ease of care, peaceful temperament, and ability to coexist with other Mbuna make them an excellent foundation species for Malawi biotopes and community tanks.

Included Resources
Requires rockwork for shelter and open sand areas for movement. Needs strong filtration, oxygenation, and stable water chemistry.

Best Use Cases
Great in mixed Mbuna tanks, Lake Malawi biotopes, and semi-aggressive cichlid communities. Their calmness helps diffuse tension in more intense setups.

Conservation Context
Not officially described but known to science and collected from localized regions. Cultured extensively in aquaculture; helps reduce wild strain on populations.

Ideal Aquatic Species
• Yellow Labs (Labidochromis caeruleus)
• Rusty Cichlids
• Synodontis catfish
• Avoid overly aggressive Mbuna (e.g., Auratus, Demasoni)

Region (A)
• Latitude: -11.6000° S
• Longitude: 34.3000° E
(Nkhata Bay, Lake Malawi, Malawi)

Region (B)
• Latitude: -10.5039° S
• Longitude: 34.0250° E
(Ngara region, northern Lake Malawi)