Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Johanni Cichlid
Melanochromis cyaneorhabdos Bowers & Stauffer, 1997; syn. Pseudotropheus cyaneorhabdos
Also called Maingano, Melanochromis 'maingano', Pseudotropheus cyaneorhabdos, Johanni (trade name)
From Endemic to Lake Malawi, East Africa: a single stretch of rocky shore on the northeast side of Likoma Island, at about 5-10 m depth.123
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Slender, elongated mbuna
A slim mbuna in dark blue-black with bright light-blue horizontal stripes. Both sexes look much alike, and dominant males simply show the strongest colour.23
Personality what they are like
Lively and territorial; it fits in a mixed tank of other mbuna but not with peaceful species.3
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Hard, alkaline water with strong filtration and regular partial water changes; avoid mixing with other Melanochromis so lines stay true.3
Home where they are happiest
Aquarium with a base of at least about 90 x 45 cm (around 154 litres), stacked rocks, temperature 24-28 C, pH 7.6-8.8, hardness about 10-25 dGH.3
Food basics what goes in the bowl
In the wild it eats zooplankton and small invertebrates from the rocks. In aquariums it takes most foods; include plenty of vegetable food such as spirulina, plus live or frozen foods.13
Company who they like around
Keep one male with three or more females in a fairly well-stocked mbuna tank.3
The story where it all began
For years it was known in the hobby as Melanochromis 'maingano', after a village on the lake shore, and often sold as a johanni. Bowers and Stauffer described it formally in 1997 as M. cyaneorhabdos.32
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Its striped pattern has been used by scientists to study how genes control colour patterns in fish.2
- 2
Unlike the true johanni, males and females look almost identical, which makes sexing tricky.3
- 3
Its whole wild range is one short stretch of shoreline at Likoma Island.3
- 4
The fry can eat baby brine shrimp as soon as they leave their mother's mouth.3
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Critically Endangered (assessed 21 May 2018)1
- Taxonomy
- Described by Bowers & Stauffer in 1997; often confused with Melanochromis (Pseudotropheus) johannii, which is also sold as 'Johanni'2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Johanni Cichlid. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Johanni Cichlid?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed daily, but adjust based on how quickly your fish eat and the food label. Always ask your vet if you are unsure about portions.31 Furry Diary plan
What does a Johanni Cichlid eat, and what should it never eat?
In the wild it eats zooplankton and small invertebrates. In aquariums it takes most foods, but include plenty of vegetable matter like spirulina, plus live or frozen foods. Never feed it foods high in fat or protein without vegetable content, as this can harm its health.31
How much space does a Johanni Cichlid need?
It needs an aquarium with a base of at least about 90 x 45 cm, which is around 154 litres. Provide stacked rocks for hiding and territory.3
What temperature, light or water does a Johanni Cichlid need?
Keep the water temperature between 24-28°C, pH 7.6-8.8, and hardness about 10-25 dGH. It needs hard, alkaline water with strong filtration. Lighting should be moderate, and the tank should have plenty of rockwork.3
How often should I clean a Johanni Cichlid's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan is to change about 25% of the water weekly, test the water weekly, and clean the glass weekly. Rinse the filter in old tank water monthly, never in tap water. Furry Diary plan
Can a Johanni Cichlid live with others?
Yes, it is lively and territorial but fits in a mixed tank of other mbuna. Keep one male with three or more females in a fairly well-stocked mbuna tank. Avoid mixing with other Melanochromis to keep lines true, and do not house with peaceful species.3
How long does a Johanni Cichlid live?
Lifespan varies depending on care, but with good conditions they can live several years. For specific numbers, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.
Can I handle a Johanni Cichlid?
It is best not to handle this fish; it is active and delicate. Handling can stress or injure it. Observe it in the tank instead.31
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FishBase: Melanochromis (Pseudotropheus) cyaneorhabdos fishbase.seused for taxonomy, size, distribution, IUCN, diet
- Wikipedia: Melanochromis cyaneorhabdos en.wikipedia.orgused for names, colouring, taxonomy, fun facts
- Seriously Fish: Melanochromis cyaneorhabdos seriouslyfish.comused for care, water, diet, behaviour, breeding, history
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.