This species was formerly classified as Pseudotropheus callainos and Metriaclima callainos and is still named as one of these by many sources. It has also been seen for sale as Pseudotropheus zebra "pearly". The genus name Maylandia is now used to describe all former members of the 'zebra' group of Pseudotropheus. It exists in three main colour forms, namely "cobalt blue", "orange blotch" and "pearl zebra". It is very easily confused with similar…

This species was originally sold as M. fuscus and then M. sp. "lepidophage. The name refers to the act of lepidophagy, which is the act of a fish eating the scales of another fish. In nature M. lepidiadaptes apparently lives an opportunistic lifestyle, feeding almost solely on the scales of other species, although interestingly not other mbuna. However in aquaria this behaviour has never been witnessed.
Do not keep it with other Melanochromis species as they may hybridise….

This species belongs to the group of Melanochromis often called "Pike Auratus". These species predate on the fry of other species, although M. chipokae will also eat crustaceans and algae. Female and juvenile male M. chipokae are easily confused with M. auratus. However, it can be distinguished by its noticeably more pointed mouth, denoting the predatory nature of this species (auratus has a rounded mouth which is designed for feeding on algae). The striped patterning in the also exten…

This species is uncommon in the aquarium trade although its name is sometimes applied to other species.

It was originally described in the monotypic genus Pseudopristella, and can be distinguished from the vaguely similar Pristella maxillaris by possession of a relatively large (vs. relatively small) humeral spot and having black pigmentation in the anal-fin restricted to the first ray (vs. a prominent distal blotch).

P. maxillaris is one of the more popular tetras in the hobby, and is easily obtainable from most aquatic shops. It must rank among the very best choices for the newcomer to fishkeeping as it's peaceful, hardy and inexpensive. There's a selectively-bred "golden" strain available which is actually a semi-albino fish. Care is much the same as for the standard form.

Currently the only species in the genus, in older literature it's often referred to by the now invalid name…

This species can be distinguished from the similar M. cyaneorhabdos by the overall black colouration of dominant males, as opposed to the more blueish patterning of cyaneorhabdos. It is sometimes sold as "electric blue johanni". Do not keep it with other Melanochromis species as they may hybridise….

M. cyaneorhabdos was formerly known as M. "maingano", after a village located on the shore off which it is found. It can be distinguished from the similar M. johanni by the overall blueish colouration of dominant males, as opposed to the more black patterning of johanni. It is sometimes incorrectly sold as "electric blue" johanni.

Do not keep it with other Melanochromis species as they may hybridise….

Despite its ready availability, M. auratus is not recommended for the beginner due to its intolerant nature. Do not keep it with other Melanochromis species as they may hybridise. Male fish can revert to the golden colouration when stressed, and older females often darken with age until they superficially resemble males….

This species was formerly classified as Pseudotropheus greshakei and Metriaclima greshakei and is still named as either of these by many sources. The genus name Maylandia is now used to describe all former members of the 'zebra' group of Pseudotropheus.

An albino form of this species exists in aquaria and is occasionally available….

There is some confusion regarding the taxonomy of this species and its congener L. stappersi. L. stappersi was originally regarded as a subspecies of perspicax but is now considered a distinct species. It is not often seen in the hobby….