Perlmutt
Labidochromis sp. "Perlmutt"
Also known as: Labidochromis sp perlmutt
A pearly white Mbuna from a single Malawian reef, manageable even for beginners.
About
A rarely described Mbuna from one of Lake Malawi's most restricted ranges, Labidochromis sp. 'perlmutt' takes its name from the German word for mother of pearl, a nod to the soft, lustrous white coloration that adult fish develop. It was first collected in 1995 and has only ever been found around Higga Reef and the waters of Mbamba Bay, including the island there. Some researchers have suggested the island population may actually be a geographical form of Labidochromis caeruleus, given how closely the two resemble each other and how readily they interbreed. For that reason, keep them apart. In the aquarium, this species sits on the gentler end of the Mbuna aggression spectrum, which makes it one of the more forgiving cichlids in that group for newer keepers entering the African rift lake hobby. Males are territorial with each other, so if you want to keep more than one, you will need a spacious setup and a proper harem arrangement with several females per male. It can be mixed with other Mbuna of similar size, and unusually for this group, it also coexists well with more peaceful rift lake cichlids like Aulonocara. Maternal mouthbrooding is standard for the genus, and this fish has bred reliably in captivity since the late 1990s.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Perlmutt
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- What size tank does the Perlmutt need?
- A minimum of 42 gallons is recommended for the Perlmutt.
- What water parameters does the Perlmutt need?
- The Perlmutt does best with a pH of 7.5–8.5, hardness around 10–25 dGH.
- Is the Perlmutt aggressive?
- The Perlmutt is aggressive and is best kept alone or with robust tankmates that can hold their own.