Species profile
Bumblebee Mbuna
Pseudotropheus crabro
Aggressive
Hard care
300 L minimum aquarium
12–16 cm adult size
Bottom–mid
Minimum group: 5
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
One of the larger and more aggressive mbuna. The original 250 L minimum was optimistic for a stable adult group; floor area and rock structure are critical.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–28 °C
pH
7.8–8.6
GH
10–25 dGH
KH
7–18 dKH
Flow preference
Moderate–high
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 5
Tank zone
Bottom–mid
Territory level
High
Predation risk
Fry
Bioload factor
2.5
Large assertive mbuna. Males can dominate an aquarium brutally; keep with robust Malawi species in a heavily structured tank and avoid multiple adult males unless the system is very large.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
Yes / caution
Plant safe
Caution
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
Yes
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
7–10 years
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
300 L
Minimum footprint
120 × 50 cm
Accepted scientific name
Pseudotropheus crabro
Alternative names
Bumblebee Mbuna, Bumblebee Cichlid, Hornet Cichlid
Native range
Lake Malawi, East Africa.
Natural habitat
Rocky reefs, caves and boulder zones in hard alkaline water; the species has a specialised cleaning relationship with large Bagrus catfish.
Diet & feeding
Wild diet includes parasites, eggs and invertebrates associated with catfish plus other available foods; use a varied mbuna-suitable diet without excessive rich protein.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males become larger and can darken dramatically, especially during dominance/spawning; females and juveniles retain stronger yellow/black bumblebee patterning.
Breeding
Maternal mouthbrooder. Male defends a spawning territory; the female incubates eggs and developing fry in her mouth.