{"product_id":"cynotilapia-fletti-red-top","title":"Cynotilapia fletti Red Top 3-4 cm | Malawi Cichlid","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCynotilapia fletti Red Top\u003c\/strong\u003e is a compact, eye-catching mbuna cichlid from Lake Malawi, prized for its vivid colour contrast and active personality. Offered here at \u003cstrong\u003e3-4 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, these young fish are ideal for aquarists looking to build a lively Mbuna community and watch their fish develop colour and character as they mature.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs with many Malawi rock-dwelling cichlids, this species is best kept in a specialist hardwater aquarium with plenty of structure, stable water chemistry and a thoughtful stocking plan. It is not a beginner community fish, but in the right setup it rewards keepers with constant activity, fascinating social behaviour and strong adult colouration. We supply healthy stock with \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e and a \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e for peace of mind.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant:\u003c\/strong\u003e the name \u003cem\u003eCynotilapia fletti\u003c\/em\u003e is used in the trade for a Malawi mbuna form known for its red-topped dorsal fin. As with many Lake Malawi cichlids, colour and pattern may vary slightly between individuals and as they mature.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare at a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCare Factor\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRecommended\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSemi-aggressive\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to 12 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e200 litres+\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24-26°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.5-8.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Hardness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10-30 dGH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrimarily herbivorous \/ omnivorous mbuna diet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTank Region\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMiddle to lower rockwork\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; Natural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCynotilapia\u003c\/em\u003e species are endemic to \u003cstrong\u003eLake Malawi\u003c\/strong\u003e in East Africa, one of the world’s most famous cichlid lakes. In the wild, these fish inhabit rocky shorelines and transitional zones where algae, biofilm and small invertebrates are abundant. Their natural environment is warm, mineral-rich and highly alkaline, with excellent water clarity and strong oxygenation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLike many mbuna, this species spends much of its time weaving through rock piles and crevices, defending small territories and grazing surfaces for food. This natural behaviour is what makes them so engaging in the aquarium, but it also means they need a setup that mimics their rocky habitat rather than a planted community tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Setup \u0026amp; Water Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor best results, keep \u003cstrong\u003eCynotilapia fletti Red Top\u003c\/strong\u003e in a mature Malawi cichlid aquarium with plenty of rockwork, open swimming space and powerful filtration. A minimum of \u003cstrong\u003e200 litres\u003c\/strong\u003e is recommended for a small group, with larger tanks strongly preferred if you plan to keep mixed mbuna.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCreate a landscape of stable rocks stacked securely to form caves, tunnels and territorial boundaries. Use sand or fine gravel as the substrate, and avoid delicate live plants unless you are prepared for them to be disturbed or eaten. Strong filtration and regular maintenance are essential, as mbuna are active fish that produce a fair amount of waste.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKeep the water stable and mineral-rich:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24-26°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7.5-8.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10-30 dGH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eGood water movement and high oxygen levels are beneficial, so aim for vigorous filtration and surface agitation. Perform regular partial water changes to maintain excellent water quality and support long-term health and colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn nature, mbuna are largely algae grazers and micro-feeders, so their diet in captivity should be based around high-quality foods designed for Malawi cichlids. Offer a varied feeding regime built on spirulina-based flakes or pellets, supplemented with vegetable matter and occasional protein in moderation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable foods include:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpirulina flakes and algae wafers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh-quality Malawi cichlid pellets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlanched spinach, courgette and peas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOccasional frozen foods in small amounts, if well tolerated\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoid heavy feeding with rich, high-fat or high-animal-protein foods, as mbuna can be prone to digestive issues if fed incorrectly. Small portions once or twice daily are usually best, with only what the fish can consume quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates \/ Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCynotilapia fletti Red Top\u003c\/strong\u003e is best kept with other Lake Malawi cichlids of similar size and temperament. Choose tank mates that can cope with a semi-aggressive mbuna environment and that share the same hard, alkaline water requirements.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGood companions include other robust mbuna species, provided the tank is large enough and the stocking is balanced to spread aggression. It is often best to keep one male with several females, or to house them in a carefully planned mixed mbuna community with plenty of rockwork and visual barriers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoid slow-moving, long-finned or peaceful fish, as well as species that require soft, acidic water. Overly timid tank mates may be bullied, while incompatible water chemistry will lead to poor health over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Tropical Fish Co\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt Tropical Fish Co, we select healthy, well-conditioned fish and pack them with care to help ensure they arrive in excellent condition. Our \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e service is designed to get your fish to you quickly and safely, and every order is supported by our \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe understand that buying live fish online requires confidence, so we focus on clear care information, careful handling and dependable service. Whether you are building your first Malawi setup or adding a standout mbuna to an established collection, \u003cstrong\u003eCynotilapia fletti Red Top\u003c\/strong\u003e is a superb choice for aquarists who enjoy active, colourful cichlids with real personality.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOrder with confidence and enjoy a striking Lake Malawi fish that will develop into a bold, rewarding centrepiece in the right aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"3 - 4 cm","offer_id":57446824018255,"sku":"0324","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"4 - 5 cm","offer_id":57451362091343,"sku":"0325","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"6-7 cm","offer_id":57560305729871,"sku":"L324","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL","offer_id":57560305762639,"sku":"0326","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/cynotilapia-fletti-red-top-natural-aquarium-0324.webp?v=1777850758","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/cynotilapia-fletti-red-top","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}