Hongi Cichlid (Kimpuma)

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Lake Malawi (Coasts of Hongi Island). Endemic cichlid, stationed in sediment-poor waters in coastal rocky bands at depths not exceeding 10 meters (32 feet).

Taxonomy and Morphology: Hongi Red Top (Labidochromis hongi). Same build as cousin Caeruleus but with a totally opposite reputation (it is an algae eater, not an insectivore). Narrow tweezer mouth.

Social Behavior: A terrorist. Totally different from the peaceful Yellow Lab, the Hongi is a ruthlessly territorial Mbuna, bordering on sociopathy. It will claim large portions of artificial reef exhausting submissive males.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Lavender/light blue background with sharp vertical black bands. The head (Blaze) and the majestic dorsal fin take on a bright orange or red coloration ("Red Top"). Brownish-gray females and subdominants.

Aquarium Setup: Given the aggressiveness, long tanks are recommended (min. 120 cm / 48 inches). Chaotic rocky structures that create numerous blind hiding places, so as to remove the line of sight from the males to weak conspecifics.

Diet and Feeding: Unlike the Caeruleus, it is strictly herbivorous. Plant food base (Spirulina pellets or flakes, boiled vegetables). An excessively proteinaceous diet will quickly lead to intestinal occlusions (Malawi Bloat).

Water Quality: Typical African conditions: alkaline and hard. Use large capacity filters and wavemakers. Surface recirculation is optimal to dissolve oxygen. Weekly changes are a must to limit territorial stress.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Pair it only with Mbuna of similar build but that withstand the impact well (Cynotilapia or robust Metriaclima). Cohabitation with Caeruleus or with quiet cichlids (Aulonocara) which would be annihilated is absolutely not recommended.

Aquarium Reproduction: Harem 1M/4F (Mandatory to dilute his fatal ardor). Reproduction via maternal mouthbrooding of about 20-30 days. The female must be carefully fed after release as the male will immediately resume molesting her.

Risks and Diseases: SR Variation ("Super Red"). European strains hybridized to maximize red (Often renamed "Kimpuma") are widespread. These are inbred variants prone to scoliosis and swimming defects or genetic blindness.