Pulpican Londo Bay AKA Kingsizei
Maylandia pulpican
Pulpican Londo Bay AKA Kingsizei is a compact Lake Malawi mbuna with bold male color and active rock-dwelling behavior. It is a good choice for a structured mbuna aquarium where plenty of caves and sight breaks help manage territorial behavior.
Physical Characteristics
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Size: 5-6 inches.
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Coloration: Dimorphic; mature males show the strongest blue-and-barred display, while females and juveniles are more subdued.
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Body Shape: Compact mbuna body built for active movement through rockwork.
Origin and Habitat
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Native Region: Londo Bay is in northern Lake Malawi on the Mozambican side of the lake, close to Lumbaulo, Mesule Point, and Ungi.
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Natural Habitat: Intermediate habitat with small rocks interspersed with sand. Occurs mainly at depths of 33-66 ft, with a recorded range from 13 to 98 ft.
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Same-Locality Cichlids: Other cichlids recorded from Londo Bay include Aulonocara sp. 'chitande type mozambique' Londo Bay, Aulonocara stuartgranti 'Londo Bay', Chindongo sp. 'elongatus spot' Londo Bay, and Chindongo sp. 'fuscus dwarf' Londo Bay.
Behavior and Temperament
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Temperament: Mildly aggressive.
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Social Behavior: Best kept with compatible Lake Malawi mbuna in a structured aquarium.
Aquarium Care
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Tank Size: A 55 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended.
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Water Parameters: 78-82°F, pH 7.8-8.6, hard water.
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Tank Setup: Provide sand or fine substrate, extensive rockwork, caves, 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. Females hold eggs and fry in the mouth, and fry benefit from dense rock cover.
Tank Mates
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Compatible With: Compatible 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.
