General information - Labeotropheus trewavasae is very similar to

Labeotropheus fuelleborni by appearance but has a leaner body.

Labeotropheus trewavasae named after the renowned British

ichthyologist, Dr. Ethelwynn Trewavas. The shape of its mouth is

allowing the Labeotropheus trewavasae to scratch algae from the rocks.

Colors can vary from place to place. Some males are blue in colors

while others have a partly orange body. There is also a blue body with a

bright orange dorsal fin variant. Females and juveniles are

usually orange. 

Common Name - Trewavas mbuna 

Scientific Name - Labeotropheus trewavasae

Family – Cichlidae  

Origin – Africa, Lake Malawi  

Size - 9cm - 11.cm (3.5 - 4.3 in) 

First discovered - Fryer, 1956

Behavior – Aggressive  

Nutrition – In nature the Trewavas Mbuna feed mostly on veggies but in captivity it will accept a variety

of prepared foods. They will also accept live food that is small enough to fit in their mouths, mysis shrimp is

ideal for the trewavasae.

Maintenance and care – The Labeotropheus trewavasae will appreciate large tank, 90 gallon (

350 litters) tank size will be ideal for one male and 3-5 females. The tank should setup with stone

formations to allow good hiding places. Water changes on a weekly basis and well filtered water is

essential. This fish can be housed with other mbuna cichlids.

Water Parameters – Temperature: 22C-28C (71.6F - 82.4F), PH: 7.5-8.5, DGH: 10-30 

Breeding – Mouthbrooder.  In order to maintain male Aggression they should be kept in ratio of 3-4 f

emales to each male in the tank. The Preferred spawning site is on a flat stone, the female will take the

unfertilized eggs in her mouth, and eggs will be fertilized after the male release his sperm into her mouth.

This process occurs when the female follow the male very close to his anal fin, male has spots on its

anal fin, those spots known as dummy eggs, the female believes these are more eggs and goes to catch

them; this is the right moment for the male to release his sperm. The Labeotropheus trewavasae has

sometimes unusual way to breed in captivity, after the female has deposited a few eggs, the male, following

behind her, fertilizes them on the substrate and not like the mbuna way. After 21 days the female release

her fry to the open water, the fry are big enough and without the yolk.