Fletti Red Top Mbuna (Cynotilapia sp.)

Overview

Fletti Red Top is supplied as a Cynotilapia sp. trade form of Malawi mbuna, not a confirmed species named Cynotilapia fletti. Each selected quantity is one unsexed fish in the chosen approximate 3–4 cm, 4–5 cm, 6–7 cm or XL grade. XL is an unmeasured supplier grade, not a precise length, adult-status or sex guarantee.

This Malawi trade form needs a specialist hardwater aquarium with plenty of structure, stable water chemistry and a thoughtful stocking plan. It is not a beginner community fish. Adult colour varies with sex, age, condition and social status; a representative image does not establish the dispatched individual, exact lineage or a guaranteed red dorsal presentation.

The supplier wording Cynotilapia fletti-red top is retained here as a familiar trade identity. The current FishBase genus list does not list fletti among its named species. We therefore use Cynotilapia sp. rather than assigning this stock to afra, zebroides or a specific collecting locality.

Care at a Glance

Origin & Natural Habitat

Cynotilapia species are endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa, one of the world’s most famous cichlid lakes. In the wild, these fish inhabit rocky shorelines and transitional zones where algae, biofilm and small invertebrates are abundant. Their natural environment is warm, mineral-rich and highly alkaline, with excellent water clarity and strong oxygenation.

Malawi mbuna show varied feeding strategies. Rocks and crevices provide shelter and territory boundaries, while open space allows swimming and food access. Keep this trade form in a rocky cichlid layout rather than assuming it has the behaviour or diet of any one named species.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

For best results, keep Fletti Red Top in a mature Malawi cichlid aquarium with plenty of rockwork, open swimming space and powerful filtration. A minimum of 200 litres is recommended for a small group, with larger tanks strongly preferred if you plan to keep mixed mbuna.

Create a landscape of stable rocks stacked securely to form caves, tunnels and territorial boundaries. Use sand or fine gravel as the substrate, and avoid delicate live plants unless you are prepared for them to be disturbed or eaten. Strong filtration and regular maintenance are essential, as mbuna are active fish that produce a fair amount of waste.

Keep the water stable and mineral-rich:

• Temperature: 24-26°C
• pH: 7.5-8.5
• Hardness: 10-30 dGH

Good water movement and high oxygen levels are beneficial, so aim for vigorous filtration and surface agitation. Perform regular partial water changes to maintain excellent water quality and support long-term health and colour.

Feeding Guide

Do not treat every mbuna as a strict algae scraper. Primary feeding observations document plankton picking in Cynotilapia zebroides, but do not identify this trade form as that species. Offer an appropriately sized complete Malawi-cichlid food with varied plant and small-invertebrate components; avoid a vegetable-only or rich large-meat diet.

Suitable foods include:

• Complete flakes or small pellets with a plant component
• High-quality Malawi cichlid pellets
• Blanched spinach, courgette and peas
• Measured small frozen invertebrates for variety, if accepted

Avoid heavy portions and rich fatty animal foods. Small portions once or twice daily are usually best, with only what the fish can consume quickly. Watch whether every fish feeds and remove leftovers; food quality and water quality both matter.

Tank Mates / Compatibility

Fletti Red Top is best kept with other Lake Malawi cichlids of similar size and temperament. Choose tank mates that can cope with a semi-aggressive mbuna environment and that share the same hard, alkaline water requirements.

Robust mbuna may work where the aquarium is large enough and territories and food access are managed. A deliberate one-male/several-female group can be a keeping plan only after sex is established; this offer is unsexed and does not guarantee a breeding pair or compatible group. Provide visual barriers, observe chasing and have a separation plan.

Avoid slow-moving, long-finned or peaceful fish, as well as species that require soft, acidic water. Overly timid tank mates may be bullied, while incompatible water chemistry will lead to poor health over time.

Ordering and planning

Check the selected size and quantity before ordering and read the current delivery and live-arrival terms. Eligibility, receipt arrangements and evidence requirements follow the published policy; a delivery claim does not replace suitable aquarium preparation.

Use the cichlid care and tank-planning guide and compare the Malawi and Victoria cichlid range by adult space, water requirements and temperament. The supplier adult guidance is not a measured species maximum, and no precise lifespan is promised for this unassigned trade form.

Prepare the mature filter, stable rockwork, suitable food and intended social group before dispatch. Check the current size selector and availability rather than assuming every grade is in stock.