Melanochromis parallelus

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Parallel Striped Mbuna
Parallel Striped Mbuna
Species	Melanochromis parallelus
Difficulty	Moderate
Min. Tank Size	132.489 liters 132,489.412 mL 35 US Gallons (132.5L)
Size	12.7 cm 4-5 " (10.2-12.7cm)
pH	7.5 - 9
Temp.	295.372 K 22.222 °C 531.67 °R 300.372 K 27.222 °C 540.67 °R72 -81 °F (22.2-27.2°C)
Water Hardness	10-25
Stocking Ratio	1:3 M:F
Availability	Uncommon
Diet	Omnivore Pellet Foods Flake Foods Live Foods Other (See article)
Life Span	3-5 years

[edit] Alternative names

Parallel Striped Mbuna

[edit] Sexing

Juvenile and female fish have yellow/white bellies with a thick black stripe that runs from through the eye to the caudal fin, above this is a yellow/white stripe, and above again is a second black stripe. On the crest of the back is another yellow/white marking. The elongated dorsal fin is black in color, as are the anal and pelvic fins. The male has a black body with three to four indigo blue stripes. The first of these stripes runs from the eye, back to the caudal fin. The second, third, and fourth runs, alternating with black stripes, above the first one. All the fins are black.

[edit] Tank compatibility

A robust and aggressive cichlid, a male must be kept with several females, keep with other Mbuna cichlids, small Haplochromines and Synodontis catfish.

[edit] Diet

Will eat most foods including algae, pellets, live foods and vegetables.

[edit] Feeding regime

Twice a day.

[edit] Environment Specifics

Prefers a typical Mbuna set up, sandy substrate and rocky decor.

[edit] Behaviour

An aggressive fish.

[edit] Identification

See sexing. Can be confused with Melanochromis auratus.

[edit] Pictures

[edit] External links

• Fishbase
• Malawi Cichlids
• Mongabay