Care and Compatibility of Luwala Cichlid - Pseudotropheus Acei


Introduction

The Luwala Cichlid has a compact and elongated body, with coloration that can vary between blue and yellow. Males usually have more intense colors and develop a forehead bump known as a nuchal hump. Females are usually less colorful and lack the hump. They can reach sizes of up to 15 centimeters in length.

Behavior

The Luwala Cichlid, also known as Pseudotropheus Acei, is a colorful and popular cichlid fish found in Lake Malawi, Africa. They are known for their vibrant blue or yellow coloration, depending on the variant. They are peaceful but territorial fish, so it is recommended to keep them in a sufficiently large aquarium with plenty of hiding places and swimming areas.

Sexual Dimorphism

Sexual dimorphism in Pseudotropheus acei is minimal and difficult to distinguish. Both males and females have a similar appearance, though males may display slightly more intense colors and increased aggression during breeding season.

Reproduction

Breeding the Luwala Cichlid can be challenging and requires specific conditions. It is recommended to keep a group of several females with one male to increase the chances of success. They will build nests in sandy substrate areas, and the females will deposit their eggs there. The males will fertilize the eggs and guard them until they hatch. The fry can be fed with powdered foods and brine shrimp larvae until they are large enough to accept larger foods.

Aquarium Conditions

Pseudotropheus acei, commonly known as the acei cichlid, requires a spacious aquarium with rocks to create structures and caves. It prefers alkaline water and a warm temperature. Aquarium décor should include large rocks and sand substrate. Maintaining water quality is crucial and providing a balanced diet.

Feeding

They are omnivorous fish and accept a variety of foods in their diet. They primarily feed on algae, aquatic vegetation, and small live organisms found in their natural environment. In the aquarium, they can be offered a balanced diet that includes commercial foods in the form of pellets or flakes, as well as fresh foods such as shrimp, worms, and blanched and crushed vegetables.

Complexity

Caring for Pseudotropheus acei can be moderately challenging. They are territorial fish and can be aggressive towards other cichlids. It's recommended to keep them in a larger group or in a African cichlid tank. They are omnivores and accept a variety of foods, but prefer live and frozen foods.


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To do an analysis more detailed about coexistence and behavior of Pseudotropheus Acei (Luwala Cichlid) use the Aquarium simulation tool, if you do this you can test different ways to combine the Luwala Cichlid with other fishes giving the dimensions and space on you aquarium, on this way you can known the optimal configuration for keep the fishes that you want.

You can also find out the 16 species compatible with the Pseudotropheus Acei (Luwala Cichlid) can live together.

Note: The parameters of the water such as PH and temperature are also used to calculate the compatibility of the species.


Compatible species (16)

Compatible (4 Species)

Aggressive and / or territorial fish can live with fish protected by a shell, since they cannot eat them because of their tough skin or attack them without being injured themselves.


Suckermouth catfish - Hypostomus plecostomus

Suckermouth catfish

Hypostomus plecostomus

Compatible without any restriction


Weather Loach - Misgurnus spp

Weather Loach

Misgurnus spp

Lemon Catfish - Hemiancistrus subviridis

Lemon Catfish

Hemiancistrus subviridis

Los peces agresivos y/o territoriales pueden convivir con peces protegidos por una coraza, ya que no pueden comérselos por su dura piel ni tampoco agredirlos sin salir heridos ellos mismos.


Golden Royal Pleco - Sturisoma aureum

Golden Royal Pleco

Sturisoma aureum

With Reservation (11 Species)

Estos peces son ciclidos africanos del lago Malawi agresivos, por lo general pueden convivir con otros Mbunas agresivos si cuentan con espacio suficiente en el acuario, rocas y escondites donde puedan refugiarse de ser necesario.


Socolofi Cichlid - Pseudotropheus socolofi

Socolofi Cichlid

Pseudotropheus socolofi

Dwarf Pombos - Pseudotropheus Demasoni

Dwarf Pombos

Pseudotropheus Demasoni

Neon Spot fish - Pseudotropheus elongatus chewere

Neon Spot fish

Pseudotropheus elongatus chewere

Luwala Cichlid - Pseudotropheus Acei

Luwala Cichlid

Pseudotropheus Acei

Bumblebee Cichlid - Pseudotropheus crabro

Bumblebee Cichlid

Pseudotropheus crabro

Johanni Cichlid - Melanochromis johannii

Johanni Cichlid

Melanochromis johannii

Melanochromis auratus - Melanochromis auratus

Melanochromis auratus

Melanochromis auratus

Compatible in some cases, it depends on the nature and personality of the fish.


Horned Snail - Tyloperlamania sp

Horned Snail

Tyloperlamania sp

IndoPlanorbis Exustus - Planorbis planorbis

IndoPlanorbis Exustus

Planorbis planorbis

Duboisi Cichlid - Tropheus duboisi

Duboisi Cichlid

Tropheus duboisi

Las especies territoriales por lo general pueden convivir con especies protegidas con coraza, ya que no pueden hacerles daño por su dura piel, lo que si hay que tener en cuenta es tener un acuario con dimensiones favorables para que cada pez pueda delimitar un territorio, ya que la mayoría de peces acorazados son también peces de fondo y les gusta estar buscando lugares donde ocultarse.


Upside-Down Catfish - Synodontis nigriventris

Upside-Down Catfish

Synodontis nigriventris

Considerable size difference (1 Species)

They can coexist while they are similar in size or the size difference is not very abysmal, since as the fish grows it increases the chances of eating its partner that did not grow much.


Nerite Snail - Neritina sp

Nerite Snail

Neritina sp

Luwala Cichlid

Pseudotropheus Acei

Luwala Cichlid - Pseudotropheus Acei
  • Ph: 7.6 - 8.8
  • Temperature (c°): 24 - 28
  • Measures: 10 cm - 12cm
  • Aquarium Capacity:
    84 Liters - 22 Gallons
  • Alimentación: Omnivores
  • Colores: Black, Blue, Yellow
  • Comportamiento: Active, Likes to take refuge, Peaceful, Territorial
  • Habitad: African
  • Preferencias del Acuario: Rocks
  • Tamaño: Medium
  • Taxonomía: Cichlids, Fish, Mbunas
  • Tipo de Agua: Sweet water, Tropical waters
  • Velocidad de nado o movimiento: Normal
  • Zona de Nado: Swim in the middle of the aquarium