Metriaclima melissa
In 2023, Stauffer and Konings combined four “species” in the new description for Metriaclima melissa. These are M. sp. ‘elongatus bee’, M. sp. ‘elongatus chailosi’, M. sp. ‘elongatus chewere’ and M. sp. ‘elongatus matambukira’.
The specimens Metriaclima melissa and Metriaclima sp. ‘elongatus matambukira’ occur together in Matambukira and also mix with each other. The females and non-adult males of these four are indistinguishable from each other. Therefore, they are now considered color variants.
This beautiful Mbuna species has a dark base color with blue to yellow stripes on the flanks. The dorsal fin and tail fin are yellow in color with a black border around them. The color partly depends on the location. The females are gray striped and slightly smaller than the males.
Origin
Chewere, Matambukira Rocks, Chilumba Harbour, Chirwa, Chitande Island, Chitende Cove, Katale Island, Matambukira Rocks, Lake Malawi.
The Aquarium
Metriaclima melissa requires an aquarium of at least 1.20 meters. Provide a sand bottom as a base because these fish like to dig in the substrate. Especially during mating. In addition, sufficient rocks must be used to create shelters. Plants can also be used. Make sure you have sturdy plants such as vallisneria and anubias. It is recommended to change water regularly.
Water parameters
Temperature: 23-25 degrees Celsius.
PH: 8
GH: 12-16
Diet
Both live food and frozen food can be given as food, such as white mosquito larvae, brine shrimp, krill, shrimp and mussels. Also, vegetable food such as spirulina can be given, also cichlid sticks, granulate and dry food.
Character
They are fish with a fierce character and can sometimes be quite aggressive. They can be kept as a pair, but as the male chases the female a lot, it is better to keep several females. They can be kept together with other Malawi cichlids.
Breeding Metriaclima melissa
Breeding Metriaclima melissa is not very difficult. The sandy bottom is of great importance here. The male digs a hole between the rocks and defends a territory there. About 20 eggs are laid and these are then fertilized. When the eggs are fertilized, the female takes them into her mouth and incubates them. After about three weeks the female releases the fry, but the young are still protected by their parents within the territory. If danger threatens, the female can take the young back into her mouth. The young can be raised with brine shrimp nauplii, rearing food and crushed dry food.
Video
Author
Coby – Kevin – John de Lange
Copyright images
Kevin Bauman
Mark Thomas – Blue Earth Institution – Cichlids in their natural habitat
Pete Barnes
Stanisław Gajaszek
