“Williamsi North” Blue Lip Cichlid (Pseudotropheus cf williamsi)

Pseudotropheus is a large genus of cichlid known primarily from Lake Malawi in Africa, with many species being popular within the aquarium trade. One which hasn’t yet caught on in a significant way is the group’s largest member, and also the type species for the genus, P. williamsi. Populations of this fish occur across the lake, but those originating from the northern portions are thought to potentially be distinct.

Fully grown, this is a beastly cichlid, topping out at over six inches in length. This might not sound all that impressive, but in a tank full of African cichlids, the Blue Lip Cichlid will invariably be high on the pecking order. This necessitates an appropriately large aquarium filled densely with large rocks. This replicates the natural environs from which it comes and provides some much needed cover for any tankmates subject to its fishy wrath. As one of the mbuna, a diet high in vegetable matter is recommended to best mimic the algal and invertebrate foods that it would find in the wild.

The best part of P. cf williamsi is the stunning colors of mature males. The body and fins develop a deep golden hue, with accents of dark blue and black present prominently in the caudal fin. The namesake blue lips provide an interesting and almost comical contrast to the face, giving this bulky species an endearing look that is sure to delight aquarists. Females, as tends to be the case, are duller, with a silvery-grey body and two rows of dark spots running lengthwise. The species is a maternal mouthbrooder, and a small group can be expected to eventually produce a steady crop of offspring.