Pseudotropheus Elongatus Mpanga Malawi African Cichlid
Image for illustration purposes only. Exact colours, patterns, and size may vary between individuals.
Delivered alive, guaranteed
Live fish delivery is £20 per order, delivered Thursday, Friday or Saturday, arriving before 1:00pm on the day you choose at checkout. Packed by aquatic specialists and shipped overnight with a dedicated livestock courier, every fish is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee with automatic refunds. See How Live Fish Delivery Works for full details.
When will my fish arrive?
| Order placed | Delivery day |
|---|---|
| Up to Monday 11:00am | Thursday (that week) |
| Monday after 11:00am – Tuesday 11:00am | Friday (that week) |
| Tuesday after 11:00am – Wednesday 11:00am | Saturday (that week) |
| Wednesday after 11:00am – Sunday (any time) | Thursday (following week) |
Overview
The Elongatus Mpanga is a slim, torpedo-shaped mbuna, now placed in the genus Chindongo, with dominant males in bright blue with darker bars and yellow-tinged fins while females stay a quieter blue-grey. This location form comes from Mpanga Rocks off the western shore of Lake Malawi. A bold, active fish, it suits experienced mbuna keepers.
- Adult Size: Around 10 cm (4 in); males larger
- Lifespan: 8–10 years
Origin
- Native to: Lake Malawi, Mpanga Rocks, western shore
- Habitat: Shallow sediment-free rocky biotope
Feeding
- Diet: Herbivorous, aufwuchs grazer
- Preferred Foods: Spirulina flakes, blanched spinach, peas, algae pellets, brine shrimp, daphnia
- Feeding Habits: Small feeds twice daily; keep protein low
Tank Mates
- Best with: Other robust mbuna, Labidochromis, Synodontis catfish
- Avoid: Peaceful haps, other elongatus forms, small fish
Aggression & Behaviour
- Temperament: Aggressive
- Territoriality: Males fiercely defend rock territories
Experience Level
- Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
- Challenges: Managing serious aggression; prone to bloat on rich food
Water Parameters
- Water Type: Freshwater, hard and alkaline
- Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)
- pH: 7.5–8.5
- Hardness: 10–20 dGH
- Flow: Moderate
- Tank Size: Minimum 200 litres for one male with several females
Final Notes
Keep one male with several females in a rock-packed tank; rival males need lots of room. It is a maternal mouthbrooder and spawns readily in caves. Keep it apart from other elongatus forms to avoid hybrids. Males are much brighter than females once mature, so sexing is simple. Feed mainly greens, as rich foods cause bloat. With space and hard water it thrives and shows constant colour.
Please Note
The livestock that is sold on our online site is not held in store at our Birchwood Aquatic Centre shop. Species sold at the Birchwood Aquatic Centre physical store may differ from ones available to order to your door.
Frequently Asked Questions
In insulated boxes designed for live transport, packed by aquatic specialists,
overnight with a licensed live-animal courier, arriving before 1pm.
It is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.
Photograph it within 4 hours of delivery, email info@birchwoodaquaticcentre.co.uk with your order number, and the refund is processed automatically. The cover continues for 7 days after arrival.
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. You pick your day at checkout; please choose a day someone is home.
Yes. One basket, one checkout; the fish arrive with the specialist courier and the rest of your order ships as normal.
We can deliver to UK mainland only for live fish.
Follow the five-minute acclimatisation steps in our When Your Fish Arrive guide: float the bags, add tank water gradually, net the fish in, lights low, feed tomorrow.