Ndumbi Red Top

Description

Pseudotropheusperspicaxis a new, undescribed and popular maternal mouthbrooder. In the past few years, the This fish, is very similar to the speciesPseudotropheus perspicax,and the undescribed speciesPseudotropheus sp. “perspicax yellow breast”, andPseudotrophueus sp. “perspicax tanzania”.

Distribution:

Pseudotropheussp. “perspicaxorange cap” is found at Ndumbi and Pombo Reef in Lake Malawi.

Size, Maturity, and Sexual Dimorphism:

Size:Males- 4 inches, Females- 3 inches
Maturity:2.5 inches
Sexual Dimorphism: Males are larger than females, and attain a purple/blue color with an orange blaze while females remain brown.

Diet:

This fish is an herbivore in the wild and feeds in a similar way to Labidochromis, nipping away at algae on rocks. Feed a balanced diet in captivity, but include a high quality veggie flake or pellet to it.

Breeding:

Red Top ndumbi are very easy to breed. Male color will intensify during breeding and look spectaculr. At this point they become territorial. The fish breed in the typical manner forPseudotropheus.

Females are excellent holders and will hold term for about 20-22 days. The fry are small and range from 15-35. They grow quickly and by two months are over an inch in length. Raising the fry poses no problems.