Slender Pseudotropheus Cobalt (Pseudotropheus elongatus cobalt) - Cichlid Fish for Sale UK

Cobalt by name and by wardrobe, this slender mbuna brings one of Lake Malawi’s signature blues into the aquarium in a conveniently small package. Pseudotropheus elongatus cobalt tops out around 4.5cm yet carries itself like a far bigger cichlid — active, full of personality and semi-aggressive in the classic mbuna mould, holding its patch in the middle of the tank with real conviction.

Mbuna keeping has its own rulebook and this strain follows it faithfully. Water must be hard and alkaline — pH 7.5–8.5 and 10–30 dGH — held at a tight 24–26°C. Despite the fish’s small size, we list 200 litres as the minimum: in Malawi tanks, aggression is managed through space and structure, never wishful thinking. Feeding is straightforward, since the strain is herbivorous. Build the community from other Lake Malawi mbuna of similar size and temperament, or robust African cichlids that tolerate hard, alkaline water and an energetic crowd. Leave out small peaceful fish, slow movers, anything long-finned, shrimp and other small invertebrates, and any overbearing cichlid likely to dominate or injure a 4.5cm fish.

Feeding a herbivore inside a busy cichlid community takes a little intent: food must arrive where a 4.5cm mid-water territory-holder can claim its share before faster mouths intervene. The tight 24–26°C band is equally deliberate — Malawi tanks reward stability over range — and with hardness tolerated all the way to 30 dGH, hard British tap water stops being a problem and starts being an asset. Expect roughly eight years of life and a sharper territorial edge whenever breeding begins.

Cobalt elongatus care parameters

• Water: hard and alkaline — pH 7.5–8.5, 10–30 dGH
• Temperature: 24–26°C
• Tank: 200 litres minimum
• Adult size: ~4.5cm; lifespan around 8 years
• Herbivore; holds mid-water territory
• Semi-aggressive; territorial when breeding

Planning a Malawi stocking list

Decide the full mbuna line-up before any fish goes in — Malawi communities settle best when assembled around compatible temperaments from the start, so check each candidate against the guidance above. Done well, the result is a tank alive with movement and that unmistakable flash of cobalt. Pseudotropheus elongatus cobalt is couriered UK-wide by licensed live-animal courier with our live arrival guarantee.