# African Cichlid (Mbuna)

> According to allpets.ai data | Source: allpets.ai

## Basic Information
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Species | Fish |
| Origin | Lake Malawi, Africa |
| Size Category | Medium |

## Vital Statistics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Length | 7–15 cm |
| Lifespan | 4–10 years |

## Adult Preventive Care
- **Exercise Needs**: Intermediate care level
- **Grooming**: Herbivore
- **Annual Exam Focus**: Compatible: Other Mbuna species of similar size and aggression, Synodontis catfish (e.g., Cuckoo catfish)
- **Routine Care**: Incompatible: South American cichlids, peaceful community fish, small tetras, slow-moving fish, non-Mbuna African cichlids (Haps and Peacocks generally not recommended for beginners to mix)

## Health Predispositions
| Condition | Onset Stage | Risk | Hereditary | Screening |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malawi Bloat | adult | high | No | No |
| Cotton Wool Disease | adult | medium | No | No |
| Hole in the Head (HITH) | adult | high | No | No |
| Ich (White Spot Disease) | adult | medium | No | No |

## Breeding & Genetics
- **CHIC Required Tests**: Easy, maternal mouthbrooders
- **Recommended DNA Tests**: Pseudotropheus spp., Melanochromis spp., Labidochromis spp., Metriaclima spp.

## Behavioral Ethogram
- **Locomotion**: Territorial defense, rock dwelling, algae grazing, digging in substrate, chasing, lip locking, hiding in caves
- **Social**: Aggressive, territorial
- **Stress/Displacement**: Loss of color, hiding, fin clamping, rapid breathing, lethargy, erratic swimming, loss of buoyancy control

## AI Communication Decoding
- **AI-Trainable Signals**: Color changes (brightening/darkening), rapid swimming, hiding in caves, fin clamping, lip locking, chasing, rapid gill movement
- **Context-Dependent Vocalizations**: Loss of color, hiding, fin clamping, rapid breathing, lethargy, erratic swimming, loss of buoyancy control
- **Interspecies Communication**: Water type: Freshwater, pH: 7.5-8.5

## Water Parameters & Husbandry
- **Water Temperature**: 23-28°C
- **pH Range**: pH 7.5-8.5
- **Water Type & Tank**: Freshwater, Min tank: 180L
- **Diet Type**: Herbivore
- **Care Notes**: Difficulty: Intermediate. Temperament: Aggressive, territorial

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Citation: According to allpets.ai data