Moderate
Acei Cichlid (Pseudotropheus sp. “acei”)
24–26°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 300L
£7.99
The Hongi cichlid (Labidochromis sp. 'Hongi') is a Lake Malawi mbuna; males are bright blue with dark bars and a yellow-green dorsal edge. One unsexed fish per quantity for a hard-water Malawi aquarium of at least 200 litres.
Care at a Glance
Scientific Name
Labidochromis sp. 'Hongi'
Care Level
Intermediate
Temperament
Territorial mbuna
Temperature
23–27°C
pH Range
8–8.6
Hardness
12–18 dGH
Minimum Tank
200L
Diet
Omnivore: cichlid pellet with vegetable content
Water Parameters
Temperature
23–27°C
23°CIdeal27°C
pH Level
8–8.6
8Ideal8.6
Water Hardness
12–18 dGH
12 dGHIdeal18 dGH
Labidochromis sp. 'Hongi'
Hongi Cichlid (Labidochromis sp. 'Hongi')
Territorial
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— save up to 30%Shoaling fish: kept in a group they feel safer, stay calmer and show their best colour.
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Live arrival guaranteed. If they don’t arrive healthy, email us a short unboxing video the same day for a replacement or refund. Packed in oxygenated bags with insulation and heat packs when needed.
£19.95 tracked delivery — half price (£9.98) from £100.00, free from £200.00. One delivery charge however many fish you add — everything travels together with a licensed live-animal courier.
Read our reviews on Google (opens Google Business Profile in a new tab) or see verified buyer reviews and photos. Human support, careful packing and clear delivery updates for live aquatics.
The Hongi cichlid (Labidochromis sp. 'Hongi') is a Lake Malawi mbuna; males are bright blue with dark bars and a yellow-green dorsal edge. One unsexed fish per quantity for a hard-water Malawi aquarium of at least 200 litres.
Care at a Glance
Scientific Name
Labidochromis sp. 'Hongi'
Care Level
Intermediate
Temperament
Territorial mbuna
Temperature
23–27°C
pH Range
8–8.6
Hardness
12–18 dGH
Minimum Tank
200L
Diet
Omnivore: cichlid pellet with vegetable content
Full Care Guide
Cichlids: Types, Care & Tank Planning
Cichlids are a family of roughly 1,800 accepted species, not one care type. Before buying, identify the exact species and source, then compare adult measurement, usable tank dimensions, social system, territory, tested water, diet and an exit plan. No family-wide minimum tank, water range or tank-mate list is safe.
14 min readRead guide
Water Parameters
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Temperature
23–27°C
23°CIdeal27°C
pH Level
8–8.6
8Ideal8.6
Water Hardness
12–18 dGH
12 dGHIdeal18 dGH
A colourful Lake Malawi mbuna for a hard-water rock aquarium
The Hongi cichlid (Labidochromis sp. 'Hongi') is a Lake Malawi mbuna named after Hongi Island. This listing is the standard form: males are bright blue with broad dark vertical bars and a yellow-green to yellow edge on the dorsal fin; females are duller. A selected Red Top form is sold as a separate listing.
Like other mbuna it is active and territorial, and does best in a well-stocked Malawi aquarium with plenty of rockwork.
| Scientific name | Labidochromis sp. 'Hongi' (trade name) |
|---|---|
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Origin | Lake Malawi, East Africa |
| Temperature | 23–27°C |
| pH | 8.0–8.6 |
| Hardness | 12–18 dGH |
| Aquarium | At least 200 litres (250 litres preferred) |
| Sold as | One unsexed fish per quantity, in the size you choose |
What you receive
Choose the size, then the quantity: one quantity is one live Hongi cichlid, unsexed. Young fish colour up as they mature.
Aquarium and water
A mature Malawi aquarium of at least 200 litres (250 litres preferred), with stacked rockwork forming caves and territories, strong filtration and hard, alkaline water: 23–27°C, pH 8.0–8.6 and 12–18 dGH (OATA Malawi guidance). Keep ammonia and nitrite at zero and nitrate low.
Feeding
An omnivore: feed a quality cichlid pellet or flake with a vegetable component, plus small frozen foods; avoid very rich foods.
Tank mates and behaviour
Keep with other mbuna of similar size and temperament; avoid peaceful community fish and very similar-looking Labidochromis that may be targeted. Several females per male spreads aggression.
Follow the arrival sequence before releasing the fish
Tropical Fish Co’s delivery and Live Arrival Guarantee policy explains the packing and arrival procedure. Livestock is hand-bagged in pure oxygen and placed in an insulated poly box, with a heat pack when the weather calls for it. Someone must be at the address to receive the parcel because live animals cannot be left unattended.
- Receive the parcel in person and start filming before opening it. Show the parcel still sealed with the outer box visible.
- Open the parcel in one continuous take. Keep filming until the fish can be seen inside the sealed bag before anything is disturbed.
- Float the bag for 20–30 minutes so the temperature equalises slowly.
- Do not pour the bag water into the aquarium. Release the fish without adding transport water to the established system.
If a Live Arrival Guarantee claim is required, contact us on the same day with the order number and the continuous unboxing video. Before the parcel arrives, confirm that ammonia and nitrite read zero and that the aquarium matches the water values on this page.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the Red Top form?
No. This listing is the standard Hongi; the Red Top is a separate listing.
Can I choose males?
No. One quantity is one unsexed fish.
What water does it need?
Hard, alkaline Malawi water: 23–27°C, pH 8.0–8.6 and 12–18 dGH.
What aquarium does it need?
A mature Malawi aquarium of at least 200 litres with plenty of rockwork.
Public references
- OATA: How to look after Lake Malawi cichlids — hard alkaline water, rockwork, stocking and feeding guidance for Malawi cichlids.
- Wikipedia: Labidochromis — genus overview and Lake Malawi habitat.
- RSPCA aquarium environment guidance — biological filtration and the aquarium nitrogen cycle.
Customer Reviews
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What customers say about ordering from us
4.6 on Google Maps, rated 4.6 out of 5 (opens in a new tab)4.4 · 91 shop reviews read them, rated 4.4 out of 5
- 4 out of 5Verified buyer
I have a small group of long finned mountain minnows. So was delighted to be able to order ten of this variety to increase the genetics in my tank . The ones I recieved are healthy but it’s to early to give a verdict on wether they are of a long finned type since they are small currently.
Gordon Walker · 23 Sept 2026
- 5 out of 5Verified buyer
100% success travel and "installation". Pleased with quality of purchase. The Siamese fighter a bit "shy" so have not yet seen him at his best yet but looking good. Happy customer. GG
George E Garratt · 21 Sept 2026
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