{"product_id":"pseudotropheus-elongatus-chailoisi","title":"Pseudotropheus elongatus Chailoisi 3","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePseudotropheus elongatus Chailoisi\u003c\/strong\u003e is a colourful Malawi mbuna cichlid prized for its energetic behaviour, striking patterning and classic rock-dwelling character. Offered at \u003cstrong\u003e3-4 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, these juveniles are a great choice for aquarists looking to build a vibrant Lake Malawi display with plenty of movement and personality.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs with many mbuna, this species is best suited to a specialist cichlid aquarium rather than a community tank. It thrives in hard, alkaline water with lots of rockwork, defined territories and a carefully chosen group of tank mates. When kept correctly, it is an active, engaging fish that brings constant interest to the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe supply healthy, carefully acclimatised fish with \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e and a \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e, so you can order with confidence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant note:\u003c\/strong\u003e this is a territorial African cichlid and should only be kept with suitable tank mates in an appropriately sized aquarium.\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\u003eRecommendation\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cem\u003ePseudotropheus elongatus\u003c\/em\u003e “Chailoisi”\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChailoisi elongatus mbuna\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdult size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApprox. 10-12 cm\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\u003eCare level\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum tank\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e200 litres for a small group; larger is better\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\u003e7.8-8.6\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 bottom\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; Natural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePseudotropheus elongatus\u003c\/em\u003e is a Lake Malawi mbuna cichlid, native to the rocky shoreline habitats of the lake in East Africa. The “Chailoisi” form is associated with the highly structured, stone-strewn environments typical of mbuna species, where fish live among crevices, caves and broken rock faces.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, these fish spend much of their time grazing on algae growth and picking at tiny invertebrates and biofilm from rocks. Their natural habitat is bright, mineral-rich and highly oxygenated, with strong water movement and plenty of visual barriers. This is why a rocky aquascape is essential in captivity: it helps reduce aggression by breaking lines of sight and creating territories.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLake Malawi cichlids are famous for their colour diversity and social complexity. \u003cem\u003ePseudotropheus elongatus\u003c\/em\u003e is no exception, and the Chailoisi variant is especially appealing to aquarists who enjoy active fish with strong individual character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Setup \u0026amp; Water Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo keep \u003cem\u003ePseudotropheus elongatus\u003c\/em\u003e Chailoisi successfully, aim to replicate a Malawi mbuna environment. A tank of \u003cstrong\u003e200 litres or more\u003c\/strong\u003e is recommended for a small group, though larger aquariums are always preferable because they allow more territories and reduce conflict.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUse plenty of stable rockwork stacked securely to form caves, tunnels and broken sight lines. Sand or fine gravel is ideal for the substrate. Avoid delicate plants, as mbuna may uproot or nibble them; if you want greenery, choose hardy species or artificial planting, but a rock-focused layout is usually best.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eStrong filtration is important because mbuna are active and produce a fair amount of waste. Good water movement and excellent oxygenation will help keep them healthy. Perform regular partial water changes to maintain pristine conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\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 7.8-8.6\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e hard, mineral-rich water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen introducing new fish, do so carefully and avoid overcrowding. In mbuna setups, a slightly higher stocking level can sometimes help spread aggression, but this must only be done with adequate tank size, filtration and compatible species.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePseudotropheus elongatus\u003c\/em\u003e Chailoisi should be fed a diet designed for mbuna cichlids. In the wild, these fish graze on algae and associated microfauna, so their digestive systems are adapted to a largely plant-based diet. Offer high-quality spirulina flakes or pellets as the staple, supplemented occasionally with suitable vegetable matter.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGood foods include spirulina-based flakes, algae wafers, cichlid pellets formulated for herbivorous African cichlids, blanched spinach, courgette and peas. Feed small portions once or twice daily, only as much as the fish will consume quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoid overfeeding and avoid rich, high-protein foods such as beef heart or excessive frozen meaty foods, as these can contribute to digestive problems in mbuna. A varied but plant-forward diet will help maintain colour, condition and long-term health.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates \/ Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis species is best kept with other Lake Malawi mbuna or similarly robust African cichlids that can handle its territorial nature. Choose tank mates carefully and avoid mixing with peaceful community fish, slow swimmers or species that require soft, acidic water.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable companions include other mbuna of comparable size and temperament, provided the aquarium is large enough and the stocking plan is balanced. It is often best to keep one male with several females, or maintain a mixed mbuna community with careful attention to species selection and tank layout.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause aggression can be directed at similar-looking fish, avoid housing with species that closely resemble it in colour or body shape unless the tank is very spacious and the aquascape is well structured. As with many Malawi cichlids, success depends on planning, space and observation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Tropical Fish Co\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt Tropical Fish Co, we understand the needs of specialist aquarists and take great care in supplying healthy, well-conditioned livestock. Our fish are packed with attention to welfare and dispatched with \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e to help ensure a smooth arrival.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery order is backed by our \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e, giving you added peace of mind when purchasing live fish online. We aim to provide clear care information, reliable service and quality stock so you can enjoy your aquarium with confidence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you are building a Malawi mbuna tank, \u003cem\u003ePseudotropheus elongatus\u003c\/em\u003e Chailoisi is a superb choice for colour, activity and authentic Lake Malawi behaviour. With the right setup, it can become a standout fish in a dynamic African cichlid display.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"3-4 cm","offer_id":57446820806991,"sku":"JP60","price":15.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"4-5 cm","offer_id":57451361993039,"sku":"JP61","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"5-7 cm","offer_id":57451362025807,"sku":"JP62","price":23.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"7-9 cm","offer_id":57451362058575,"sku":"JP63","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/pseudotropheus-elongatus-chailoisi-natural-aquarium-jp60.webp?v=1777850750","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/pseudotropheus-elongatus-chailoisi","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}