Care
The Perlmutt cichlid is known from the deep rocky habitat at Higga Reef and Mbamba Bay. This as yet undescribed species belongs to the Mbuna group of cichlids. The aquarium should be at least 4ft long and aquascaped to emulate a rocky reef effect. Décor such as ocean rock can be used to build sturdy structures which stretch from the base of the tank to near the surface of the water. These structures should be built with the purpose of creating many crevices for the fish to explore but constructed in such a way so as to keep the rocks stable if the fish start to dig around and underneath them. Although a substrate of coral sand or Aragonite is often recommended to help to keep the water hard and alkaline, Mbuna feel safer and show better colours over a darker substrate. The Aragonite or coral sand can always be placed into a mesh bag and kept inside the external filter for buffering purposes. This is a relatively peaceful species (as far as Malawi cichlids are concerned), however, it is best to keep several females to each male, as keeping in pairs will result in continual harassment. This species can be kept successfully alongside Aulonocara, Haps, and other Mbuna, making it a versatile addition to most Malawi set-ups. May also be seen on sale as the Pearl of Tanzania or Pearly Lab.
Feeding
Omnivorous but with a preference for meaty foods. A good quality flake food can be offered along with appropriately sized granular foods specifically developed for Mbuna. Frozen foods such as Mysis shrimp, Spirulina/vitamin -enriched brineshrimp, and mosquito larvae will be eagerly taken. Provide some vegetable matter such as cucumber, blanched spinach, and romaine lettuce.
Breeding
When ready to spawn, the colouration of the male will intensify and his aggression level will heighten. He will choose and clean a spawning site, then display to the female fish until one accepts him. They will circle each other in a head to tail manner a number of times, until the female deposits her eggs. These are deposited just one or two at a time and after doing so, she immediately turns around and picks them up. At the same time, the male will rotate so that he is almost on his side, at the same time shaking and extending his anal fin, releasing his milt. The female sees the egg spots on the male"™s anal fin and attempts to pick up those "œeggs" whilst she is picking up the real ones that she deposited, and at the same time taking in milt. This is the method of fertilisation, and this ritual may go on for some hours. The eggs may be incubated for up to 25 days until they hatch and the resultant fry held for a further few days afterwards. Typical brood size for a good sized female would number between 10-15.
