Species profile
Itungi Acei
Pseudotropheus elegans
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
350 L minimum aquarium
10–15 cm adult size
Midwater
Minimum group: 4
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Itungi-locality mbuna historically confused with generic Acei forms. Current locality-specific evidence supports Pseudotropheus elegans; provide a long hard-water aquarium with open swimming room plus wood/rock structure.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–26 °C
pH
7.5–8.5
GH
12–25 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: 4
Tank zone
Midwater
Territory level
Low–moderate
Predation risk
Tiny fry
Bioload factor
2.6
Comparatively mild for an mbuna. A harem or mixed group is workable; females need retreat routes and the fish benefit from open water rather than a rock wall filling the whole tank.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Caution
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Herbivore
Minimum aquarium volume
350 L
Minimum footprint
150 × 50 cm
Accepted scientific name
Pseudotropheus elegans
Alternative names
Itungi Acei, Black Acei, Pseudotropheus acei "Itungi", Maylandia elegans, Metriaclima elegans
Native range
North-western Lake Malawi, including the Itungi Port–Selewa region.
Natural habitat
Open sandy areas and submerged wood/branches rather than a classic rock-only mbuna niche. Provide sand, wood/rock structure, hard alkaline water and high oxygen.
Diet & feeding
Wild fish graze diatoms and cyanobacteria from submerged wood. Base the diet on spirulina/vegetable-rich foods with only restrained animal protein.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males tend to be slightly larger and more colourful, but the sexes remain similar and colour alone is not completely reliable.
Breeding
Maternal mouthbrooder; females collect fertilised eggs and brood the fry orally for about three weeks before release.