Trewavasae Pombo Rocks
Labeotropheus trewavasae
Trewavasae Pombo Rocks is a rare locality form of Labeotropheus trewavasae, a classic Lake Malawi mbuna known for a sturdy body, specialized grazing profile, and active cave-dwelling behavior.
Physical Characteristics
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Size: Up to about 6 inches.
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Coloration: Dimorphic; males develop stronger color and pattern while females are more subdued or variably patterned.
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Body Shape: Sturdy Labeotropheus mbuna body with a specialized grazing profile and downturned mouth.
Origin and Habitat
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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.
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Natural Habitat: Rocky habitat, preferably free of sediment, but also occurring in sediment-rich rocky areas. Found from surface waters down to depths of about 131 ft.
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Same-Locality Cichlids: Other cichlids recorded from Pombo Rocks include Chindongo demasoni 'Pombo Rocks', Chindongo sp. 'perspicax yellow breast' Pombo Rocks, Cynotilapia zebroides 'Pombo Rocks', and Labeotropheus fuelleborni 'Pombo Rocks'.
Behavior and Temperament
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Temperament: Mildly aggressive.
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Social Behavior: Best with compatible Lake Malawi mbuna in a rock-structured aquarium.
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: Provide sand, extensive rockwork, caves, grazing surfaces, broken sightlines, 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 rock 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: Tiny fish, delicate community fish, and highly aggressive mbuna in cramped aquariums.