Labidochromis
Genus -
The usual major subdivision of a family or subfamily in the classification of organisms, usually consisting of more than one species.
sp. "Mbamba"
Species -
The major subdivision of a genus or sub genus, regarded as the basic category of biological classification, composed of related individuals that resemble one another, are able to breed among themselves, but are not able to breed with members of another species.
Yellow Top Mbamba
Common Names -
These are the trade names typically associated with the species. The more serious Cichlid keeper frowns upon these due to the confusion they can create in the hobby.
Lake Malawi
Region -
The break down of continents into geologically defined regions.
Mbamba Bay Island and coast south of Mbamba Bay Tanzania (1)
Locale -
A more specific area where the fish is located, supplements the region.
7.4 - 8.4
pH Range -
A range of pH that the species thrives in. This is not to say the fish can not live outside of these values, it merely means these are what it has evolved in.
pH - Hydrogen ion concentration, how acidic or basic. Low values are more acidic while high values are more basic.
120 - 180
GH Range -
A range of GH that the species thrives in. This is not to say the fish can not live outside of these values, it merely means these are what it has evolved in.
GH - Concentration of cations such as Magnesium and Calcium.
30 - 150
KH Range -
A range of KH that the species thrives in. This is not to say the fish can not live outside of these values, it merely means these are what it has evolved in.
KH - Carbonate hardness, buffering capacity.
75 to 82
Temperature Range -
Range of temperatures the species is known to live in. This can include extremes related to breeding situations.
3 inch/7.5 cm to 3.5 inch/8.25 cm
Male Size -
The size range typical of a fully grown adult male. This would be the hobby size and not the natural size.
2.5 inch/6.25 cm to 3 inch/7.5 cm
Female Size -
The size range typical of a fully grown adult female. This would be the hobby size and not the natural size.
40 gal. or 151L long
Minimum Tank Size -
This is a rather strongly debated topic. The purpose here is to suggest the smallest tank one should consider for the species. In the case of something Like an Oscar, Astronotus ocellatus the recommendation would be for one subject for life. In the case of other cichlids it may be for a harem or group for life.
Herbivore
Diet -
Herbivore: feeds primarily on plants.
Omnivore : feeds on plants and animals.
Carnivore: feeds primarily on other animals.
Detritivore: feeds primarily on decaying matter.
No
Dimorphic -
This is pertaining to physical shape differences between the sexes. One example being a nuchal hump.
Another example being rounded vs trailing fins. This does not mean size nor color as those two characteristics
are coevered elsewhere.
Yes
Dichromatic -
This is pertaining to coloration differences between the sexes. One example being the Aulonocara of Lake Malawi.
Maternal
Parenting -
Maternal: the female takes care of the offspring.
Paternal: the male takes care of the offspring.
Biparental: both parents share the duties.
Paternal Harem: typically a male gaurds a territory and spawns with many females within the territory.
Maternal Harem: a female spawns with multiple males, this occures in rare situations.
Ovophilus Mouth Brooder
Reproductive method -
Ovophilus Mouth Brooder: picks up eggs.
Larvophilus Mouth Brooder: picks up wigglers/fry, more common in South America than the ovophilus.
Cave Spawner: Spawns on overhead surface inside a hole or crevice.
Hidden Substrate: spawns on plants or surfaces in areas where the eggs may not be easily seen.
Open Substrate: Lays eggs on a hard surface or in a pit with no attempt to disguise them.
Beginner
Difficulty -
This is a subjective scale based on the knowledge of the writer. Sure you will find exceptions to the rule, however this is the rule of thumb.
Average
Intraspecies -
Aggression towards those of the same species.
Mild
Interspecies -
Aggression towards other species.
Mild
Juvenile -
Within the young of the species.
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Notes:
A stunning fish when colored up, Labidochromis Sp. Mbamba stays small enough to be included in the category of dwarf mbuna, and shows its best when there are no other blue-barred fish in the tank. Males and females have the same basic color pattern, and females will occasionally color up almost as intensely as males. They give the appearance of a dimorphic species because when colored down the females can appear dark brown, albeit still with the gold trim to the fins. Juveniles are a tan brown and develop the gold trim fairly early.
Although Sp. Mbamba rarely shows aggression to other species (even those of conspecific appearance) male Mbambas are not very tolerant of each other. They are best kept as a group of one male to three females, as subdominant males will stay colored down or possibly be killed if they attempt to breed or otherwise assert themselves.
Sources:
(1) A. Konings, Back to Nature Guide to Malawi Cichlids, 2nd ed.
