White Tail Acei
Pseudotropheus cf. elegans "Ngara"
White Tail Acei is a Lake Malawi mbuna-type cichlid prized for its cleaner body color and contrasting pale tail. Acei-type mbuna are active, social fish that can bring constant motion to a rock-and-sand African cichlid aquarium.
Origin and Habitat
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Native Region: Lake Malawi; Ngara form in the aquarium trade.
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Natural Habitat: Rocky and intermediate shoreline areas where fish graze and move in active groups.
Physical Characteristics
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Size: Up to about 6 inches.
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Coloration: Darker body with a contrasting white to pale tail; males may color more strongly with maturity and dominance.
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Body Shape: Streamlined mbuna body with an active swimming profile.
Behavior and Temperament
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Temperament: Mildly aggressive.
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Social Behavior: Can be kept in groups or with other mbuna when the aquarium has enough rockwork and swimming room.
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, rockwork with caves and sight breaks, open swimming space, 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 to females and may defend preferred 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 African cichlids of similar size and temperament.
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Avoid: Very small fish, delicate community fish, and look-alike males in cramped aquariums.
