Species profile
Saulosi Cichlid
Chindongo saulosi
Aggressive
Moderate care
200 L minimum aquarium
7–9 cm adult size
Bottom–mid
Minimum group: 5
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Current accepted name remains Chindongo saulosi; Pseudotropheus saulosi is retained as the familiar older combination.
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
Dwarf mbuna but still territorial. Keep one male with several females in a rock-filled aquarium; males can be relentless in undersized groups.
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
6–8 years
Diet type
Herbivore
Minimum aquarium volume
200 L
Minimum footprint
120 × 40 cm
Accepted scientific name
Chindongo saulosi
Alternative names
Pseudotropheus saulosi, Saulosi Cichlid, Saulosi Mbuna
Native range
Endemic to Taiwan Reef in Lake Malawi.
Natural habitat
Shallow rocky reef habitat exposed to wave action, with hard alkaline water, abundant rock surfaces and high oxygenation.
Diet & feeding
Aufwuchs-focused mbuna diet. Use algae/spirulina-rich prepared foods with modest supplementary invertebrate protein; avoid repeated heavy high-protein feeding.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Adult males turn blue with dark vertical bars; females and juveniles are bright yellow/orange.
Breeding
Maternal mouthbrooder. Males defend rock territories and court females; females carry eggs and fry orally.