MELANOCHROMIS JOANJOHNSONAE(LIKOMAE)

Scientific Name(s): Melanochromis Joanjohnsonae, Labidochromis Caeruleus Likomae
Common Name(s): joanjohns, Blue stripe
Origin: Africa, (Endemic to Lake Malawi; Likoma Island)
Family: Cichlidae
Order:
Species Type: Melanochromis
Maximum Size: Around 5 inches
Life Span: 9-12 Years
Natural Habitat: Areas of rich sediment, rocky outcroppings, also along tree roots and crevices in these areas for hiding and breeding.
Diet: Omnivore; Likes Brine Shrimp, Krill and will also accept flake and stick food.
Temperature: 76-82 degrees
PH: 7.6-8.7 and 12-18dGH, moderately alkaline water.
Minimum Tank Size: 55 Gallon minimum
Tank Region: Lower to mid region
Temperament: Mildly aggressive, can be more aggressive during breeding.
Possible Tank Mates: Johannii, Cherry Zebras , Kenyi and other similarly aggressive Mbuna.
Filtration and Setup:HOB, Mechanical, Chemical, Canister, or trickle filter. Sand or gravel will be a good substrate. Likes lots of rock work, slate, tree roots and caves. Likes weekly water changes of about 1/4 tank or more.

Coloration: Blue with a black trimmed dorsal, ventral, and anal fins with yellow egg spots. Females are very colorful and have red, blue, orange, brown spots in horizontal stripes.
Breeding: Multiple females are better with single male. Likes to breed on a cleaned off piece of slate or flat surface. Does the breeding dance in were the female holds the eggs in her mouth and the male fertilizes them. The female will hold the eggs until they turn to fry in about 1 month. Males become aggressive during breeding.