Moderate
Neon Spot Mbuna Cichlid (Pseudotropheus sp. neon spot)
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 200L
£13.99
Chewere form of Pseudotropheus elongatus, a lively 4 cm Malawi mbuna. Herbivore for hard alkaline water at 24-26C in 200 L+ setups.
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.
Pseudotropheus elongatus chewere
Pseudotropheus elongatus chewere are a shoaling species — they need 6+ to feel safe and show their full colour. Larger shoals stay calmer, eat better, and look stunning.
Chewere form of Pseudotropheus elongatus, a lively 4 cm Malawi mbuna. Herbivore for hard alkaline water at 24-26C in 200 L+ setups.
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
Hard water, high energy, strong opinions: that is the chewere mbuna in six words. Pseudotropheus elongatus chewere is a small Lake Malawi cichlid of around 4cm with bold colouring and a lively, restless personality, patrolling the middle reaches of the aquarium and treating its chosen corner as private property. Semi-aggressive by nature and rated Moderate care, it belongs in a dedicated African cichlid setup rather than a general community tank.
Chemistry comes first with any Malawi fish. Target pH 7.5–8.5 with hardness between 10 and 30 dGH, and keep temperature steady in the narrow 24–26°C band. Two hundred litres is the sensible floor for a tank built around mbuna dynamics — that volume absorbs the squabbling a smaller aquarium would concentrate into trouble. The chewere itself is a herbivore and simple to cater for. For company, stay inside the Rift Lake formula: other similarly sized Lake Malawi mbuna and robust African cichlids of matching temperament. Small peaceful fish, slow-moving or long-finned species, shrimp and other small invertebrates have no place alongside it, and neither do highly aggressive species large enough to bully a 4cm fish.
What the chewere asks of its keeper is mostly discipline rather than effort. The herbivorous diet is inexpensive to meet; pH and hardness sit exactly where Malawi tanks already operate; and an eight-year lifespan means the stocking decisions you make this month will still be playing out years from now, especially once breeding periods bring their extra territorial fire. The fish supplies the energy — your job is the structure and the guest list.
Introduce it as part of a considered Malawi stocking plan rather than as a one-off purchase, and review every existing resident against the compatibility notes above before committing. Get the structure and the guest list right, and this little Malawi cichlid does the entertaining for you. Pseudotropheus elongatus chewere is delivered throughout the UK by licensed live-animal courier, with our live arrival guarantee included.
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 200L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 200L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 200L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 200L
18–26°C · pH 6.5–8 · 30L
20–24°C · pH 7–8 · 45L
24–28°C · pH 6.5–7.5 · 2000L
24–28°C · pH 5.5–7 · 60L
24–28°C · pH 7–8 · 120L
18–28°C · pH 6.5–8 · 20L
24–27°C · pH 7.5–8.8 · 150L
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
22–26°C · pH 6–7.5 · 150L
22–26°C · pH 6–7.5 · 200L
23–27°C · pH 5.5–7.5 · 80L
24–28°C · pH 8–9 · 300L