Labidochromis sp. “Hongi” is a brightly colored herbivore from Lake Malawi where it’s found around Hongi Island from where it gets its name. This species is also found in the area of the Lundo Islands, Mbamba Bay Island and the Undu Reef. This mbuna is of course an herbivore where it can be found rock dwelling and feeding on aufwuchs. These cichlids are very playful and active, simply a great fish for an African community tank.

 

Male Hongi are more beautifully colored than their counterparts. They are also referred to as the red top kimpuma cichlid and Hongi Super Red Top probably due to inline breeding in Europe. Interestingly their dorsal fin is not colored red but is a vivid yellowish orange color. Labidochromis sp. “hongi” are somewhat aggressive and they have been noted to be territorial in the aquarium, see the video below for this behavior. Males can reach about six inches in length and females are smaller.

 

 

Tanks should be outfitted in typical Malawi mbuna fashion, looks of rock for hiding and establishing territories with driftwood. This species will accept all aquarium prepared foods but the primary source should include spirulina pellets and algae type wafers in their diet. Freeze dried krill and other African cichlid flakes can be offered. Some hobbyists recommend offering zucchini, spinach and peas in their diet. Avoid excess or high protein to preclude Malawi bloat.

 

Spawning of Hongi is typical of mbuna mouth brooders and is somewhat easy to achieve. A safe strategy is to have a ratio of multiple females to one male in a community tank setup. Females can produce between 20 to 40 fry depending on their size.