Our Guide To Keeping Powder Blue Cichlid Fish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Pseudotropheus socolofi
   • Common name: Powder Blue Cichlid
   • Family: Cichlidae
   • Origin: Lake Malawi in Africa
   • Adult length: 10 cm
   • Lifespan: 8 to 10 years

2. Tank Setup:

   • Powder Blue Cichlids prefer a tank with plenty of rocks and caves to establish territories. A minimum tank size of 200L is recommended for a small group of these fish.
   • Provide sandy substrate and ample hiding places to mimic their natural habitat.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Powder Blue Cichlids thrive in alkaline water conditions with a pH range of 7.5 to 8.5.
   • Keep the water temperature between 23 to 28°C (73 to 82°F).

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • A moderate to high water flow is suitable for these fish, so choose a filter that provides adequate flow and efficient filtration.

5. Diet:

   • Powder Blue Cichlids are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods. Offer them a balanced diet consisting of high-quality cichlid pellets or flakes as a staple.
   • Supplement their diet with occasional feedings of live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and mysis shrimp.

6. Tank mates:

   • Powder Blue Cichlids can be aggressive towards other fish, especially conspecifics and similarly colored species. Keep them with other Lake Malawi cichlids in a large enough tank to reduce aggression.
   • Avoid keeping them with slow-moving or timid fish species that may become targets of aggression.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Powder Blue Cichlids are territorial and can be aggressive, especially during breeding times. Provide plenty of hiding places and break lines of sight to reduce aggression.
   • They are best kept in a species-only tank or with other Lake Malawi cichlids accustomed to their behavior and aggression levels.