−12%
Moderate
Bluegray mbuna, Johanni Mbuna (Melanochromis johanni)
24–27°C · pH 7.5–8.8 · 150L
£6.15£6.99
A blue, horizontally striped Maingano mbuna linked with the Melanochromis/Pseudotropheus cyaneorhabdos naming history. Needs hard water, rockwork and careful stocking.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Melanochromis maingano
Maingano Cichlid bond and breed in male/female pairs — buying a pair gives them the social structure they need.
A blue, horizontally striped Maingano mbuna linked with the Melanochromis/Pseudotropheus cyaneorhabdos naming history. Needs hard water, rockwork and careful stocking.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Cichlids are one of the most diverse fish families in the hobby. From tiny apistogrammas to massive oscars, this guide covers the basics of keeping them well.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Maingano Cichlid is listed here under the live supplier anchor Melanochromis maingano, while many modern references connect the fish with Pseudotropheus cyaneorhabdos. Either way, this is a blue, horizontally striped Lake Malawi mbuna for rocky hard-water aquariums.
| Listed identity | Melanochromis maingano; commonly linked with Pseudotropheus cyaneorhabdos |
|---|---|
| Adult size | About 8cm |
| Minimum aquarium | 200 litres or larger |
| Water | 24-28°C, pH 7.5-8.5, hard alkaline water |
| Diet | Spirulina, algae foods, vegetable-rich pellets and small invertebrate foods |
| Temperament | Aggressive mbuna; both sexes stay blue |
Use rockwork, multiple retreats and careful stocking. Do not confuse Maingano with Johanni-style fish where females differ strongly in colour; this listing is for the blue-striped Maingano form.
Order with clear care guidance. Livestock is packed for a licensed live-animal courier and covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee when the acclimation guidance is followed.
24–27°C · pH 7.5–8.8 · 150L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 250L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 200L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.6 · 200L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 200L
18–26°C · pH 6.5–8 · 30L
23–27°C · pH 7.4–8.4 · 500L
20–27°C · pH 6–7 · 54L
23–27°C · pH 7.4–8.4 · 150L
24–28°C · pH 6.5–7.8 · 300L
20–24°C · pH 7–8 · 45L
24–28°C · pH 6.5–7.5 · 2000L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 200L
24–28°C · pH 5.5–7 · 60L
18–25°C · pH 6–8 · 100L
24–28°C · pH 7–8 · 120L
18–28°C · pH 6.5–8 · 20L
22–26°C · pH 6–7.5 · 60L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 40L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 500L
28–30°C · pH 5.5–7.5 · 300L