Hajomaylandi Chizumulu Island
Metriaclima hajomaylandi
Hajomaylandi Chizumulu Island is a Lake Malawi mbuna from the Chizumulu Island area, with active cave-dwelling behavior and the sturdy body shape expected from Metriaclima-type rock fish. It is best for structured mbuna tanks with plenty of cover.
Physical Characteristics
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Size: Up to about 6 inches.
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Coloration: Dimorphic; mature males develop the strongest display color while females and juveniles are more subdued.
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Body Shape: Robust mbuna body with a compact, laterally compressed profile.
Origin and Habitat
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Native Region: Chizumulu Island is in northern Lake Malawi on the Malawi side of the lake, close to Same Bay (West), Same Bay (East), and Chingoli Mountain.
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Natural Habitat: Sediment-rich rocky habitat, including rocky areas with sand-rock interfaces where the fish remains close to rocks while foraging.
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Distribution: Endemic to Chizumulu Island.
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Same-Locality Cichlids: Other cichlids recorded from Chizumulu Island include Astatotilapia sp. 'calliptera chizumulu' Chizumulu Island, Aulonocara korneliae 'Chilongo Bay, Chizumulu Island', Aulonocara korneliae 'Chizumulu Island', and Chindongo heteropictus 'Chizumulu Island'.
Behavior and Temperament
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Temperament: Mildly aggressive.
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Social Behavior: Best in a mbuna community with rockwork, caves, and broken sightlines.
Aquarium Care
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Tank Size: A 55 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended.
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Water Parameters: 73-81°F, pH 7.5-9.0, hard water.
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Tank Setup: Provide sand, stacked 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 around rocky territories and females mouthbrood eggs and fry.
Tank Mates
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Compatible With: Other Lake Malawi mbuna and sturdy African cichlids of similar size.
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Avoid: Delicate community fish, tiny tank mates, and cramped tanks with too few caves.
