At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Slim, elongated mbuna
A slender rock cichlid with sharp, single-pointed teeth and dark vertical bars that run up into the dorsal fin.23
Personality what they are like
Lively and full of character; males claim a cave and defend it firmly against their own kind, so this is a fish for a busy mbuna community rather than a calm tank.23
Daily activity how busy a day looks
An active swimmer that patrols rockwork all day; males hold territories near caves while females roam mid-water.31
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Hard, alkaline water with regular water changes; many caves and stacked rocks to break up sight lines.21
Home where they are happiest
At least 100 x 30 cm base (about 90 litres), 23 to 29 C, pH about 7.5 to 8.5 and 10 to 25 dGH, with plenty of rockwork.213
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Omnivore that grazes rocks in the wild; feed mostly vegetable-based foods such as spirulina flakes plus some small live or frozen foods.21
Company who they like around
Keep one male with three to six females, alongside other mbuna of similar temperament; a well-stocked tank spreads out attention.2
The story where it all began
Albert Günther described the species in 1894 from Lake Malawi material, first placing it in Hemichromis. It later passed through Paratilapia before settling in Cynotilapia, and it has been kept in the hobby in many collection-point forms.31
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The genus name points to its sharp, conical single-cusped teeth, which set it apart from other Malawi rock cichlids.3
- 2
Males graze the film of algae and tiny animals on rocks, while females often pick plankton from open water.1
- 3
Each wild population has its own look; some have a bright yellow dorsal fin and others have none at all.3
- 4
Females brood about 15 to 30 eggs in their mouths for up to three weeks.2
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 22 June 2018)1
- Taxonomy
- Described by Günther in 1894 as Hemichromis afer; a rock-dwelling mbuna3
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for an Afra Cichlid. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Afra Cichlid?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day, as Furry Diary's starting plan suggests. Stick to mostly vegetable-based foods like spirulina flakes, plus occasional small live or frozen treats. For exact amounts, follow the food label and check with your vet.21 Pet Wiki plan
What does an Afra Cichlid eat, and what should it never eat?
Your Afra is an omnivore that grazes on rocks, so offer spirulina flakes and small live or frozen foods. What it should never eat varies; ask your vet or a good breeder for a safe list.21
How much space does an Afra Cichlid need?
Your Afra needs a tank with a base of at least 100 x 30 cm (about 90 litres). This gives enough room for rockwork and territories, which are essential for its lively, active nature.213
What temperature, light or water does an Afra Cichlid need?
Keep the water at 23 to 29°C with a pH of 7.5 to 8.5 and hardness of 10 to 25 dGH. Provide plenty of rockwork for caves and territories. Lighting needs vary; ask your vet or a good breeder for guidance.213
How often should I clean an Afra Cichlid's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, cleaning the glass weekly, and rinsing the filter monthly in old tank water. This keeps the hard, alkaline water your Afra needs.21 Pet Wiki plan
Can an Afra Cichlid live with others?
Yes, keep one male with three to six females, and choose other mbuna with similar temperament. A well-stocked tank helps spread out attention and reduces aggression.2
How long does an Afra Cichlid live?
Lifespan varies; ask your vet or a good breeder for typical expectations for your specific fish.
Can I handle an Afra Cichlid?
It's best not to handle your Afra Cichlid; they are delicate and easily stressed. If you need to move it, use a soft net and ask your vet for safe handling tips.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
You might also like
Red Zebra Cichlid
Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlid
Demasoni CichlidWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- FishBase species summary: Cynotilapia afra fishbase.seused for distribution, size, water parameters, diet, IUCN status, taxonomy
- Seriously Fish: Cynotilapia afra seriouslyfish.comused for aquarium care, tank size, behaviour, diet, colours, breeding
- Wikipedia: Cynotilapia afra en.wikipedia.orgused for common names, colours, history, fun facts (secondary)
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.