fish · Cichlidae
Elongatus mbuna
Pseudotropheus elongatus
Wild range: Endemic to Lake Malawi, in shallow rocky, sediment-free habitat. The described species is recorded from Mbamba Bay on the Tanzanian east shore (type locality) and Nkhata Bay in Malawi. Many trade 'elongatus' forms come from other localities. (Africa)
At a glance: Elongatus mbuna care
Compiled reference information. Review the care notes and original sources below.
What temperature is listed for Elongatus mbuna?
The compiled profile lists 24.0–28.0 °C for Elongatus mbuna (Pseudotropheus elongatus). Check the original sources below for context and differing recommendations.
What tank size is listed for Elongatus mbuna?
The profile lists a minimum tank volume of 55.0 US gallons (208.0 liters). Volume alone does not establish suitability; consider dimensions, group size and other inhabitants alongside the full care notes.
What pH is listed for Elongatus mbuna?
The compiled profile lists a pH of 7.5–8.5. Review the cited care sources alongside the other water parameters in this profile.
Natural habitat
A slender, elongate rock-dwelling mbuna (Lake Malawi cichlid). It lives in shallow, rocky water with little or no sediment and is common around small rocks. It feeds by combing loose algae from the biocover (FishBase; Seriously Fish). In the wild, females defend territories with 'gardens' of algae. Males of the common forms are blue to black with dark vertical bars, black fins, and a yellowish tail. More than 30 colour forms are known around the lake.
Where they are found
Catalog primary is locked as Pseudotropheus elongatus Fryer, 1956. This follows the ITIS valid name (TSN 170007), the GBIF accepted name, and the established trade/inventory name. The Eschmeyer Catalog of Fishes (current status) and FishBase now use Chindongo elongatus (Fryer, 1956), after Li, Konings & Stauffer 2016 (Zootaxa 4168(2):353–381) described the genus Chindongo. Chindongo elongatus is recorded in aliases and here, not adopted as primary (Scott naming rule 2026-09-24). This matches the catalog's demasoni-cichlid and saulosi-cichlid rows. Type locality is Mbamba Bay, eastern Lake Malawi, Tanzania (CoF; lectotype BMNH 1956.9.4.1); the species is also recorded from Nkhata Bay, Malawi (FishBase/Faunafri/Seriously Fish). Trade caution: 'elongatus' is a species-group label in the hobby. Li et al. 2016 moved several elongate locality forms to other genera, for example Metriaclima usisyae ('elongatus Usisya') and Metriaclima flavicauda. Locality-tagged fish such as 'elongatus Chewere', 'Mpanga', 'Neon Spot' and 'Chailosi' may be undescribed or different species. Do not mix forms, because they hybridise freely (Seriously Fish). IUCN Red List: Near Threatened (B1a), assessed 2018 (Konings), because of its small known range.
Aquarium care
One of the most aggressive and territorial mbuna. It is best kept by aquarists with Malawi cichlid experience. Locked minimum is 55 US gallons (~208 L) for a single male with his females: Aquatics Unlimited 55 gal; Tropical Fish Friends 55 gal; Tropical Freshwater Fish 45–55 gal; TankBud 200 L; Green Aqua 240 L. Seriously Fish's 120 × 38 cm footprint (~135–137 L) is noted as a species-only minimum, and larger tanks are better for a mixed mbuna community. Provide stacked rockwork with many caves and line-of-sight breaks over sand or aragonite/coral-sand substrate, plus some open water. Do not discourage algae growth. Use hard, alkaline Lake Malawi water: locked ~24–28°C, pH ~7.5–8.5, GH ~10–25 dGH. Source ranges: Seriously Fish 24–28°C, pH 7.6–8.8, 10–25 dGH. Green Aqua 24–28°C, pH 7.5–8.5, GH 10–20. FishProfiles 24–28°C, pH 8–8.5, 10–20 dH. Tropical Freshwater Fish 22–27°C, pH 7.5–9.0, 12–25 dH. Aquatics Unlimited 74–80°F (~23–27°C), pH 7.5–8.5. TankBud 24–27°C, pH 7.8–8.6. FishBase wild record 22–25°C, pH 7.5–8.0, dH 9–19. Use strong filtration with good oxygenation (moderate flow) and frequent water changes to keep nitrate low.
Feeding
Primarily a herbivorous aufwuchs grazer that combs algae from rocks (FishBase). The staple should be spirulina or vegetable-based flakes and sinking pellets, plus blanched vegetables such as spinach, zucchini and nori (Seriously Fish; Aquatics Unlimited; Aqua-Fish.net; Green Aqua). Small amounts of frozen or live foods (brine shrimp, daphnia) are fine as a supplement. Avoid high-protein diets and never feed beefheart or other red meat, which can trigger digestive problems such as Malawi bloat.
Compatibility
Aggressive and territorial toward its own species and toward similarly patterned or coloured fish (Seriously Fish; Tropical Freshwater Fish; FishProfiles; TankBud). Keep only one male unless the tank is very large. Subdominant males may be killed, and a lone female may be harassed to death, so keep at least 4–6 females per male. Mix only with robust mbuna of different colour patterns, with similar-sized Synodontis, or with large plecos. Do not mix with peacocks (Aulonocara), utaka, small peaceful community fish, shrimp, or soft-water species. Moderate overstocking with other mbuna can spread aggression. Not community-safe and not a nano fish.
Breeding
Use a harem of one male with at least 4–6 females in a 48"+ (120 cm+) tank with flat stones, open sand, and plenty of hiding places. Seriously Fish suggests breeding water around pH 8.2–8.5 and 25–26.5°C; Tropical Freshwater Fish suggests ~pH 8.2 and 26–28°C. Condition with live and frozen foods. Holding females carry for ~3–4 weeks. Remove a holding female carefully, because a stressed female may spit or eat the brood. Some breeders strip the fry at about 2 weeks. Fry take baby brine shrimp from release. Keep only one locality form per tank to avoid hybrids.
Sources
Compiled from multiple independent care sheets — not copied from a single site.