Red Top Mphanga
Metriaclima emmiltos
Red Top Mphanga is a Lake Malawi mbuna associated with the Mphanga Rocks red-top zebra group. It brings bold rock-dwelling behavior, mature male display color, and the territorial personality expected from Metriaclima-type mbuna.
Origin and Habitat
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Native Region: Mphanga Rocks near Chilumba, Lake Malawi.
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Natural Habitat: Cave-dwelling rocky habitat.
Physical Characteristics
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Size: Up to about 6 inches.
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Coloration: Dimorphic; mature males develop the red-top/blue zebra-type look, while females and juveniles are more subdued.
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Body Shape: Compact, robust mbuna body with a zebra-type profile.
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: 74-84°F, pH 7.4-8.4, hard water.
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Tank Setup: Provide sand, stacked rocks, 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 near rocky territories and females hold eggs and fry in the mouth.
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 species, and overly similar males in small tanks.
