Species profile
Acei Cichlid
Pseudotropheus sp. "acei"
Semi aggressive
Easy care
300 L minimum aquarium
10–15 cm adult size
Midwater
Minimum group: 6
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Undescribed/trade Acei group. Generally social for mbuna, but exact identity depends on locality/form.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–27 °C
pH
7.5–8.5
GH
10–20 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 6
Tank zone
Midwater
Territory level
Low
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
2.5
Unusually social/open-water for an mbuna and often seen schooling around submerged wood. Keep a decent group in a long tank with rock/wood structure and open swimming space.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Caution
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
No / caution
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Herbivore
Minimum aquarium volume
300 L
Minimum footprint
120 × 45 cm
Alternative names
Acei Cichlid, Pseudotropheus sp. "acei", Pseudotropheus acei (legacy informal name), Yellow-tail Acei, White-tail Acei
Native range
Lake Malawi; exact locality/colour form for this generic record is unresolved.
Natural habitat
Rocky/sandy shoreline associated with submerged wood and grazing surfaces. Provide a long tank, robust rock/wood décor, hard alkaline water and high oxygen.
Diet & feeding
Periphyton/algae grazer with associated small organisms. Use a fibre/plant-rich mbuna diet with moderate supplemental protein.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Sexes are similar. Males may grow larger and show stronger colour/egg spots, but visual sexing is unreliable.
Breeding
Maternal mouthbrooder, as documented for aquarium Acei forms; females carry eggs/fry orally before release.