{"product_id":"pseudotropheus-membe-deep","title":"Pseudotropheus Membe Deep 3-4 cm | Mbuna Cichlid","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePseudotropheus Membe Deep\u003c\/strong\u003e is a colourful Mbuna cichlid from Lake Malawi, offered here at approximately \u003cstrong\u003e3-4 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e. As a juvenile, it is still developing its adult colouration and character, but it already shows the classic energy, confidence and territorial behaviour that make Mbuna so popular with African cichlid keepers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis species is best suited to experienced or committed aquarists who can provide a properly set up Malawi tank with hard, alkaline water, strong filtration and lots of rockwork. In the right environment, Pseudotropheus Membe Deep becomes a lively centrepiece fish with constant activity and fascinating social behaviour. It is not a community fish in the usual sense, but in a carefully planned Mbuna aquarium it can thrive and display superb colour as it matures.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAll fish are supplied with our \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e and sent using \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e, helping your new cichlid arrive in the best possible condition.\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\n\u003cem\u003ePseudotropheus\u003c\/em\u003e sp. “Membe Deep”\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMembe Deep Mbuna\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdult size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApprox. 8-10 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\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\u003eWater hardness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHard, alkaline\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\u003ePseudotropheus Membe Deep originates from the rocky shoreline habitats of \u003cstrong\u003eLake Malawi\u003c\/strong\u003e in East Africa. Mbuna cichlids are specialised rock-dwellers, spending their lives among boulders, crevices and algae-covered surfaces where they graze, defend territories and interact with other cichlids. The “Membe Deep” locality form is associated with the deep-water rocky zones of the lake, where the environment is bright, mineral-rich and highly structured.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn nature, these fish live in a challenging but stable habitat with very hard, alkaline water and constant access to shelter. Their behaviour reflects this environment: they are active, territorial and always aware of nearby rivals. Replicating this habitat in the aquarium is the key to long-term success.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Setup \u0026amp; Water Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA proper Mbuna aquarium should be built around \u003cstrong\u003erockwork\u003c\/strong\u003e. Use stacked slate, limestone, tufa rock or other aquarium-safe hardscape to create caves, tunnels and broken lines of sight. This helps reduce aggression by allowing fish to establish territories without constantly seeing one another. Open swimming space is still important, but the tank should feel like a rocky maze rather than a planted community aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eStrong filtration is essential because Mbuna are active and produce a fair amount of waste. Aim for excellent water movement and high oxygenation, with regular maintenance and water changes to keep nitrate low. A sandy substrate is ideal, as it is natural for Malawi cichlids and allows for easy cleaning. Live plants are usually not recommended, as most Mbuna will dig, nibble or uproot them.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRecommended water conditions:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24-27°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\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hard, mineral-rich water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 250 litres minimum, larger for mixed Mbuna setups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause this species is sold at 3-4 cm, it is still juvenile and may appear less intense in colour than adults. With good feeding, stable water and a suitable social group, it will develop into a much more impressive fish over time. As with all cichlids, avoid sudden changes in water chemistry and always acclimate carefully.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePseudotropheus Membe Deep should be fed a diet designed for \u003cstrong\u003eMbuna cichlids\u003c\/strong\u003e. In the wild, many Mbuna graze aufwuchs, algae and tiny invertebrates from rock surfaces. In captivity, offer a high-quality cichlid pellet or flake with a vegetable base, supplemented with spirulina, blanched spinach, courgette and other suitable greens.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFeed small amounts once or twice daily, only what the fish can consume in a few minutes. Overfeeding is a common mistake with Mbuna and can lead to poor water quality and digestive issues. Avoid heavy, fatty foods and be cautious with high-protein diets, which are not ideal for many Malawi cichlids. A varied but plant-focused diet will support colour, growth and long-term health.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates \/ Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMembe Deep is best kept with other \u003cstrong\u003eLake Malawi Mbuna\u003c\/strong\u003e of similar size and temperament. Suitable tank mates should be robust, able to hold their own, and preferably from the same water requirements. A good ratio of males to females, or a carefully planned all-male display, can help manage aggression depending on your setup and experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGood companions include other similarly sized Mbuna such as \u003cem\u003eLabidochromis\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eMetriaclima\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eIodotropheus\u003c\/em\u003e and selected \u003cem\u003ePseudotropheus\u003c\/em\u003e species, provided the tank is large enough and the rockwork is extensive. Avoid peaceful community fish, slow swimmers, long-finned species and any fish that require soft or acidic water. Mixing with overly aggressive Malawi species can also create unnecessary stress unless the aquarium is large and expertly arranged.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor best results, keep only one species with a similar body shape in smaller tanks, or stock a larger aquarium with a well-planned Mbuna group to spread aggression. Careful stocking is more important than simply adding more fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Tropical Fish Co\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt Tropical Fish Co, we understand that live fish need more than just a box and a label. We prioritise careful packing, reliable dispatch and customer support that helps you succeed with your aquarium. Your fish are shipped with our \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e service and backed by our \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e, giving you confidence when ordering online.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe aim to supply healthy, well-conditioned fish and provide accurate care information so you can set up the right environment from day one. Whether you are building a dedicated Malawi display or adding to an established Mbuna collection, Pseudotropheus Membe Deep is a rewarding choice for aquarists who enjoy active fish with real personality. With the right tank, diet and companions, this species can become a standout feature in your cichlid setup.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"3-4 cm","offer_id":57446779683151,"sku":"JP64","price":15.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"4-5 cm","offer_id":57451350458703,"sku":"JP65","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"5-7 cm","offer_id":57560314806607,"sku":"JP66","price":20.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/pseudotropheus-membe-deep-natural-aquarium-jp64.webp?v=1777850604","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/pseudotropheus-membe-deep","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}