Pombo Rocks Yellow Chin

Pombo Rocks Yellow Chin

Protomelas sp. "Steveni Imperial" Pombo Rocks

Pombo Rocks Yellow Chin is a Lake Malawi hap locality form known for male display color and the yellow-chin look that gives it its common name. It is best kept in larger Malawi aquariums with open space, rock structure, and compatible haps or peacocks.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: 8-9 inches.
• Coloration: Mature males show stronger display color with yellow chin highlights; females and juveniles are more subdued.
• Body Shape: Larger, laterally compressed hap body suited for active swimming near rocky structure.

Origin and Habitat

• Native Region: Pombo Rocks is in far northern Lake Malawi on the Tanzanian side of the lake, close to Lundu, Ndumbi Reef, and Ndumbi Point.
• Natural Habitat: Primarily sediment-rich rocky habitat. In the absence of P. taeniolatus also occurs in the upper, sediment-free rocky habitat. On the northwestern coast often found at somewhat deeper levels; on the eastern coast mainly in shallow.
• Same-Locality Cichlids: Other cichlids recorded from Pombo Rocks include Labeotropheus trewavasae 'Pombo Rocks', Chindongo demasoni 'Pombo Rocks', Chindongo sp. 'perspicax yellow breast' Pombo Rocks, and Cynotilapia zebroides 'Pombo Rocks'.

Behavior and Temperament

• Temperament: Mildly aggressive.
• Social Behavior: Best kept with similar-sized Lake Malawi haps and robust peacocks in a tank with room for territories.

Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: A 75 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended.
• Water Parameters: Hard, alkaline Lake Malawi-style water.
• Tank Setup: Provide open swimming room with rockwork for structure, cover, and sight breaks. Strong filtration and stable water quality are important.

Diet and Feeding

• Primary Staple: Feed a quality daily diet such as Ron’s Peacock & Hap Adult Food.
• Juveniles: Growing fish can be fed Ron’s Juvenile Food.
• Fry: Newly released fry should be started on Ron’s Fry Food.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed 1–2 small meals daily and avoid overfeeding.

Breeding

• Breeding Type: Maternal mouthbrooder.
• 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

• Compatible With: Similar-sized Lake Malawi haps and sturdy peacocks.
• Avoid: Small fish, timid species, and very aggressive tank mates that may cause injury or constant stress.