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Socolofi Cichlid
Chindongo socolofi
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C
- pH
- 7.8 – 8.6
- Min. tank size
- 250 L
- Lifespan
- 6-8 years
- Diet
- herbivore
- Care level
- easy
| Scientific classification | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name: | Chindongo socolofi |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Origin: | Africa (Lake Malawi, East African Rift) |
| Care Characteristics | |
| Care Level: | easy |
| Diet: | herbivore |
| Max Size: | 12.00 cm |
| Water Type: | freshwater |
| Temp Group: | tropical |
| Temperament: | semi aggressive |
| Min Group: | 4+ together |
| Varieties: | Several geographic forms are traded, differing mainly in the depth of the blue and the extent of the dark fin edging, and an "albino" or white form is produced commercially and widely available. Locality forms should be kept separate rather than mixed, as with all Rift Lake cichlids, since they hybridise readily. The naming has moved. The species was described as Pseudotropheus socolofi and has been reclassified to Chindongo socolofi, and both names are in circulation along with the trade names pindani and powder blue cichlid. The specific name honours Ross Socolof, the American aquarium trader and importer, who died in 2009. Among other mbuna, the peaceable group that suits a mixed community includes the acei, the rusty cichlid and the yellow lab; the kenyi, auratus and red zebra sit at the harder end and will dominate this fish. |
| Lifespan: | 6-8 years |
Quick Tips
- Bioload:Medium to high
- Min Tank:250 L
- Substrate:Aragonite/coral sand; many rock caves
- Plant Safe:Not reliably plant-safe (may dig/nibble)
- Filtration:High (hard alkaline water; strong filtration)
Socolofi Cichlid (Chindongo socolofi) is a species of fish in the family Cichlidae. It is native to Africa (Lake Malawi, East African Rift). The socolofi is a powder-blue mbuna with subtle dark edging on the fins, and it is one of the calmer members of a group not known for calm — a hardy, pretty and forgiving choice for a Rift Lake community. It is endemic to Lake Malawi, favouring sandy substrates near rocks where males establish their territories, and it reaches around 12 cm. The species is named after Ross Socolof, the American aquarium trader and importer. Its taxonomy has moved: it has been reclassified from Pseudotropheus socolofi to Chindongo socolofi, so both names appear on labels. It is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, which among Lake Malawi endemics is worth noting.
Compatibility
- Temperament
- semi aggressive
- Keep in
- Groups of 4+
- Swims
- middle
- Fin nipper
- No
- Delicate fins
- No
Species similar to Socolofi Cichlid
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