The Blue Johanni Cichlid, Melanochromis johanni, comes from the shallow waters of Lake Malawi, Africa. The male is gray/black with blue-gray longitudinal markings with the typical spots on the anal fin, and is considerably larger than the female. The female is a dull golden color with rounded fins and no spots.

A large aquarium with plenty of caves and hiding places is ideal for these fish. An aragonite-based substrate is recommended in order to maintain the necessary high pH and alkalinity.

Picture Copyright Andrzej Zabawski

For best results in spawning, the males should be kept with at least three females. The female will spawn on a flat rock, and will take the unfertilized eggs into her mouth and will follow closely behind the male until he releases the sperm to fertilize the eggs. The female will then incubate the eggs for approximately three weeks before releasing the fry. The fry can then be fed newly hatched brine shrimp, daphnia, or crushed flake food.

The Blue Johanni needs to be fed vegetable rich foods in the form of flake food, dried seaweed and algae. Brine shrimp, small fish and other meaty foods should only be fed periodically, as their main diet should consist of vegetable matter.

Family: Cichlidae
Species: Melanochromis johanni
Compatibility: Other aggressive Lake Malawi African Cichlids and African Catfish of the genus Synodontis.
Tank Conditions: 72-82?F; pH 8.0-9.0; dH 9-19
Size: 4 1/4 in (11 cm)
Temperament: Aggressive
Diet: Herbivorous