Species Profile | Images | Breeding Report | Similar Species

back to the cichlid index

How to look after
Melanochromis johanni
Johanni Mbuna
Eccles, 1973

johanni males are considerably less aggressive than other Melanochronis species
more images here

(Other members of the genus Melanochromis)

ADULT SIZE: 12 cm

WATER CONDITIONS: Moderately hard and alkaline

TEMPERATURE RANGE: 25-28 C

FOOD: Feed Melanochromis johanni a predominantly vegetarian diet

DISTRIBUTION: This species comes from Lake Malawi

AQUARIUM CARE: Probably the least aggressive Melanochromis (certainly when compared to M. auratus and M. chipokae), though still quite boisterous like all mbunas. Best kept in a group, one male to several females. Sexing is simple as males are black with light blue patterning, whilst females (and juveniles) are generally yellow (see pictures). Like all mbunas it will graze on algae and plant matter, and should be fed foods with some vegetable component.

Best kept in a well-stocked mixed mbuna tank, or in a larger species group, preferably with two to three times the number of females than males. Tank décor should be rocky, with caves and passageways. Plants will usually be disturbed (with the exception of Anubias, java fern and perhaps Vallisneria.

For more about a typical tank set-up see Setting up a Lake Malawi Cichlid Aquarium.

BREEDING: A typical maternal mouthbrooder

Have you bred Melanochromis johanni? Why not fill in a breeding questionaire?, or examine existing Melanochromis johanni breeding reports

Melanochromis johanni
Johanni Mbuna

johanni males are considerably less aggressive than other Melanochronis species

Female Melanochromis johanni have a largely yellow body and fins, unlike males of the species which are entirely black/blue

Melanochromis johanni
Johanni Mbuna
breeding notes

BREEDING: A typical maternal mouthbrooder

Have you bred Melanochromis johanni? Why not fill in a breeding questionaire?

This page summarises breeding reports provided by visitors to this site, along with some statistical analysis. Please feel free to contribute - whatever your experience! 2 breeders have filled in breeding reports, a summary of the results are shown in the graphs below. You can read the full reports here. To add details of your experiences of Melanochromis johanni, why not fill in a Breeding and maintenance Report.
Would Melanochromis johanni be a good addition to a community tank? Never Doubtful, only with VERY calm fish Only with species of similar size Yes, a good community fish	How would you describe the disposition of Melanochromis johanni? Very timid Slightly timid Neutral Somewhat aggresive on occasions Very aggressive
In which water conditions do you keep these fish? Very soft and acidic Moderately soft and acidic Neutral Moderately hard and alkaline Very hard and alkaline	At what average temperature? 10-15°C 16-19°C 20-23°C 24-27°C 28°C+
What, if any is the biggest difficulty encountered when breeding these fish? Poor egg production Poor egg survival Poor fry survival rate Deformities Skewed sex ratio	How would you describe sex ratios when breeding Melanochromis johanni? If you are unsure please leave this question unanswered. Almost all males Somewhat male heavy Roughly equal Somewhat female heavy Almost all females
In general, how difficult is Melanochromis johanni to keep and breed? Very easy Easy Average Difficult Very difficult	How sucessful have you been at breeding Melanochromis johanni? Very unsucessful Fairly unsucessful Average Fairly sucessful Very sucessful

Remember, each record represents only one persons experience; if you had different results, or used different methods, please share your experiences