[p]This fish is imported occassionaly as Petrotilapia as P. tridentiger sp. "Nkhata Orange". Since there is no P. tridentiger being exported from Lake Malawi, as far as we know, species carrying that name are most likely Petrotilapia sp "Small Blue". Petrotilapia are Mbuna from Lake Malawi.They have thick lips with small flexible teeth. They graze on algae, typically at a ninetry degree angle to the surface they're feeding on. Not as common in the hobby as the Pseudotropheus or many of the other types of Mbuna, most of the info found on them comes from books by Ad Konings. As they mature, they'll develop a more purple-blue coloration down the length of their bodies, leaving orange on the dorsal area and underside.
[p]These fish can be aggressive and can reach lengths up to seven inches. Tanks of 75 gallons and up should be considered for adequate housing. The color strains found currently in the hobby for this fish are a far cry from the colorations found in the lake. This has been blamed on poor breeding and cross breeding. When looking to purchase these fish, one should be careful to
make sure the source is a respected one.
[p]Petrotilapia are extremely difficult to sex as juveniles. To ensure you get a good ratio of
males to females, you should get at least five or six if purchasing juveniles. Both males and
females develop the same colorations. They juveniles all show the orange coloration you see here. They are polygamous mouthbrooders and do best when kept with other similair species from Lake Malawi. These Mbuna should be of similair size and have the same levels of aggression.