{"product_id":"pseudotropheus-emmiltos-mphanga-rock-red-top","title":"Pseudotropheus emmiltos Mphanga Rock Red Top 3","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePseudotropheus emmiltos\u003c\/strong\u003e ‘Mphanga Rock Red Top’ is a stunning Lake Malawi Mbuna cichlid prized for its intense colour, lively behaviour and hardiness in the right setup. Offered at a size of \u003cstrong\u003e3-4 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, these juveniles are a great choice for aquarists building a proper Malawi community or looking to grow on a group of young fish into a display of colour and character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs with many Mbuna, this species is best kept in a species-appropriate aquarium with plenty of rockwork, stable water conditions and carefully chosen tank mates. Males develop the characteristic red\/orange upper body and strong territorial displays as they mature, while females and younger fish are usually more subdued in colour. Their active nature makes them fascinating to watch, but they are not suitable for peaceful community aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt Tropical Fish Co, we supply healthy livestock with a \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e, so your new fish arrive in the best possible condition for acclimation and long-term success.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare at a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAttribute\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cem\u003ePseudotropheus emmiltos\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMphanga Rock Red Top 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 size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e250 litres+\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24-27°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 emmiltos\u003c\/em\u003e is a Mbuna cichlid from \u003cstrong\u003eLake Malawi\u003c\/strong\u003e, one of Africa’s most famous rift lakes and home to an extraordinary diversity of cichlids. Mbuna are rock-dwelling fish, and this species is associated with rocky shorelines and crevices where it grazes on algae growth and picks at small invertebrates and biofilm.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, these fish live in highly structured habitats with lots of broken rock, caves and visual barriers. This environment shapes their behaviour in the aquarium: they thrive when they can establish territories, retreat into shelters and interact with other fish in a complex rocky layout. The ‘Red Top’ form is especially sought after for its vivid colouration and strong contrast.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Setup \u0026amp; Water Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo keep \u003cem\u003ePseudotropheus emmiltos\u003c\/em\u003e successfully, aim to recreate a Malawi Mbuna environment. A spacious aquarium is essential, as these fish are active and territorial. A single fish may survive in a smaller tank, but a proper group or community requires room to spread aggression and establish territories.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended setup:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse a tank of \u003cstrong\u003e250 litres or more\u003c\/strong\u003e for a small group, with larger volumes preferred for mixed Mbuna communities.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuild extensive \u003cstrong\u003erockwork\u003c\/strong\u003e with caves, ledges and narrow gaps, while leaving open swimming lanes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse a sandy or fine gravel substrate to reduce the risk of injury and allow natural foraging behaviour.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaintain strong filtration and good water movement, as Mbuna produce a fair amount of waste and appreciate oxygen-rich water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep lighting moderate to bright to encourage algae growth on the rocks and bring out natural colouration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e keep temperature between \u003cstrong\u003e24-27°C\u003c\/strong\u003e, pH between \u003cstrong\u003e7.8 and 8.6\u003c\/strong\u003e, and ensure stable hardness with alkaline, mineral-rich water. Sudden swings in pH or temperature should be avoided. Regular water changes are important, especially in heavily stocked Malawi aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen introducing new fish, acclimate them slowly and monitor behaviour closely. Young fish may be less aggressive, but as they mature, males in particular can become territorial. Provide more hiding places than you think you need, and avoid overcrowding with incompatible species.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis species does best on a diet suited to Mbuna cichlids. In nature, it grazes on algae and associated growths, so in captivity it should be fed mainly on \u003cstrong\u003espirulina-based flakes or pellets\u003c\/strong\u003e, quality vegetable-rich cichlid foods and occasional supplements such as blanched spinach or peas. A varied diet helps maintain colour, condition and digestive health.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlthough they are not strict herbivores, Mbuna are prone to digestive problems if fed too much rich, protein-heavy food. Avoid over-reliance on bloodworm, beef heart or other high-animal-protein foods. Small amounts of suitable frozen foods can be offered occasionally, but the staple diet should remain plant-based and fibre-rich.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFeed small portions once or twice daily, only what the fish will consume quickly. Overfeeding can lead to poor water quality and health issues, so it is better to feed lightly and consistently.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates \/ Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePseudotropheus emmiltos\u003c\/em\u003e is best kept with other robust Malawi cichlids that can handle Mbuna behaviour. Suitable companions include other similarly sized Mbuna with different colour patterns and temperaments, provided the tank is large enough and the aquascape offers plenty of structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGood tank mates may include:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther Mbuna cichlids of comparable size and temperament\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSynodontis catfish from Lake Malawi setups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRobust, non-aggressive Malawi species in suitably large aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoid peaceful community fish, small tetras, livebearers, dwarf cichlids, and slow or long-finned species. Mbuna can be nippy, territorial and dominant, especially in cramped tanks. Do not mix with delicate fish or species that require soft, acidic water.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor best results, keep either a carefully planned all-Malawi aquarium or a species-focused Mbuna community. Overstocking is sometimes used in Malawi tanks to diffuse aggression, but it must be done with excellent filtration and a proper aquascape.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Tropical Fish Co\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen you order from Tropical Fish Co, you are choosing healthy, carefully handled livestock from an experienced UK aquatic retailer. We prioritise fish welfare, secure packing and prompt dispatch so your order arrives in excellent condition. Our \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e helps reduce transit stress, and our \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e gives you added confidence when buying online.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe also aim to provide accurate care information so you can set up the right environment before your fish arrive. For a species like \u003cem\u003ePseudotropheus emmiltos\u003c\/em\u003e, that preparation makes all the difference. With the right tank, diet and companions, these Mbuna develop into a colourful, active and rewarding display fish that brings real personality to a Malawi aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you are looking for a striking rock-dwelling cichlid with bold behaviour and brilliant colour potential, the Mphanga Rock Red Top is an excellent choice for the dedicated aquarist.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"3 - 4 cm","offer_id":57446780404047,"sku":"N867","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"4 - 5 cm","offer_id":57451351179599,"sku":"N868","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"5-6 cm","offer_id":57560315593039,"sku":"N869","price":21.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"6-7 cm","offer_id":57560315625807,"sku":"KG90","price":18.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/pseudotropheus-emmiltos-mphanga-roc-natural-aquarium-n867.webp?v=1777850612","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/pseudotropheus-emmiltos-mphanga-rock-red-top","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}