Fuelleborni Katale Orange
Labeotropheus fuelleborni
Fuelleborni Katale Orange is a rare Lake Malawi mbuna with the distinctive Labeotropheus grazing body shape and mature male orange display potential. It is a rockwork specialist that does best with structure, hard water, and compatible mbuna tank mates.
Origin and Habitat
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Native Region: Katale, Lake Malawi.
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Natural Habitat: Cave-dwelling rocky habitat with grazing surfaces.
Physical Characteristics
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Size: Up to about 6 inches.
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Coloration: Mature males develop the orange Katale display; females may be gray or OB with blotching.
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Body Shape: Deep-bodied Labeotropheus mbuna with a grazing-oriented mouth and strong profile.
Behavior and Temperament
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Temperament: Mildly aggressive.
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Social Behavior: Best in a mbuna community with rockwork and enough territory space.
Aquarium Care
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Tank Size: A 55 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended.
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Water Parameters: 74-84°F, pH 7.4-8.4, hard water.
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Tank Setup: Use sand, extensive rockwork, caves, grazing surfaces, and strong filtration.
Diet and Feeding
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Primary Staple: Feed a quality daily diet such as Ron’s Mbuna Food.
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Juveniles: Growing fish can be fed Ron’s Juvenile Food.
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Fry: Newly released fry should be started on Ron’s Fry Food.
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Feeding Frequency: Feed 1–2 small meals daily and avoid overfeeding.
Breeding
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Breeding Type: Maternal mouthbrooder.
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Breeding Notes: Males display and defend rocky areas. Females hold eggs and fry in the mouth, and fry should be protected after release.
Tank Mates
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Compatible With: Other Lake Malawi mbuna and similar-size African cichlids.
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Avoid: Very similar males in cramped tanks, delicate community fish, and very small tank mates.
