Elongatus Ornatus – Pseudotropheus Elongatus Ornatus

Common name: Pseudotropheus Elongatus Ornatus

 Scientific name: Elongatus Ornatus

 Average Adult Fish Size: 13cm / 5 Inches

 Place of Origin: Lake Malawi

 Typical Tank setup: Rocky Malawi tank with plenty of hiding spaces/caves.

 Recommended Minimum Aquarium Capacity: 200 Litres

 Compatibility: Combine with other Mbuna but avoid adding similar looking males.

 Temperature: 23-26 Deg C / 73-78 Deg F

 Water chemistry:  pH 7.6-8.6

 Feeding: Omnivore – Best thrives on specially made African Cichlid pellets or flakes. It is mostly vegetarian so foods with really high meat and protein content should be avoided.

 Sexing: Males are larger and much more colourful as adults, juvenile fish are difficult to sex.

Breeding: Pseudotropheus Elongatus Ornatus are maternal mouthbrooders like many of the African Cichlids. The male will entice a mate and as the female lays her eggs he will fertilise them. The process continues till all the eggs are fertilised and the female holds them in her mouth for 3-4 weeks during which time she does not eat.

Additional Information: The Elongatus Ornatus is a similar cichlid to the Pseudotropheus Elongatus Chewere, in fact the males of these 2 species are very similar in appearance with the latter displaying a little more intense blue and black. The females however, are completely different; Ornatus females are a faded yellow in comparison to the blue and black stripes on a female Chewere. The 2 species share in temperament and behaviour also so they should not be housed with each other due to their similar appearance and also not with any other fish that resembles them in appearance. As with any Mbuna tank a rock aquascape providing plenty of caves and hiding spots is necessary.