Description
The Scrapermouth Mbuna “Marmalade” (Labeotropheus trewavasae), known for its striking coloration and unique feeding behavior, is a popular and captivating species within the African cichlid community. This fish, native to Lake Malawi, stands out due to its bright orange or yellowish hues and its tendency to graze on algae-covered rocks, which gives it its nickname “Scrapermouth.” It’s an excellent choice for aquarists looking for an active, colorful, and relatively hardy Mbuna cichlid.
Introduction
- Common Name: Scrapermouth Mbuna “Marmalade”
- Scientific Name: Labeotropheus trewavasae
- Size: 5–6 inches (13–15 cm)
- Lifespan: 8–10 years with proper care
This species is known for its beautiful “marmalade” coloration, often exhibiting hues ranging from golden yellow to vibrant orange. Males typically display more intense colors compared to females, especially during the breeding season. Labeotropheus trewavasae is a herbivorous cichlid, feeding primarily on algae, and is known for its aggressive territorial behavior, especially in male-to-male interactions.
1. Natural Habitat and Behavior
- Habitat: Labeotropheus trewavasae is native to the rocky shorelines of Lake Malawi, where it lives in shallow waters and graze on algae-covered rocks. They thrive in rocky environments with access to crevices where they can hide and establish territories.
- Behavior: Like many Mbuna cichlids, the Scrapermouth Mbuna is highly territorial, particularly the males. Males will defend their chosen territories aggressively, often engaging in displays of dominance to ward off other males. During the breeding season, males become even more colorful and exhibit more pronounced territorial behavior. While males may be aggressive towards one another, females are generally more peaceful.
2. Aquarium Setup
- Tank Size: A minimum of 55 gallons (210 liters) is recommended for a small group of Scrapermouth Mbunas. The larger the tank, the more effective the territorial divisions will be, reducing aggression.
- Substrate: Use a combination of sand and small rocks to mimic the rocky, algae-covered environment of their native habitat. This will also help maintain a natural environment where the fish can graze.
- Decor: Provide plenty of rocks and caves to create territories and hiding spots. The more rockwork, the better, as it allows the fish to establish territories and reduces the risk of conflict. Line-of-sight barriers created by rocks will also help minimize aggression between males.
- Water Conditions:
- Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)
- pH: 7.8–8.6 (alkaline)
- Hardness: 10–20 dGH (moderately hard to hard)
- Lighting: Moderate lighting, with a focus on replicating the clear, bright waters of Lake Malawi, is ideal. Dim lighting at night to simulate natural cycles can help create a calm environment.
3. Diet and Feeding
- Diet: The Scrapermouth Mbuna is primarily herbivorous, feeding mostly on algae and plant material in the wild. In captivity, they should be offered a variety of high-quality spirulina-based pellets or flakes, along with algae wafers. Supplement their diet with occasional vegetable matter like blanched spinach, peas, and zucchini.
- Feeding Schedule: Feed once or twice a day, offering only as much food as the fish can consume in 3–5 minutes. It’s essential not to overfeed, as uneaten food can pollute the tank and lead to water quality issues.
4. Compatibility with Other Fish
- Tankmates: Due to their aggressive and territorial nature, the Scrapermouth Mbuna “Marmalade” is best kept with other species of similar size and temperament. Suitable tankmates include:
- Other Mbuna cichlids such as Labidochromis and Pseudotropheus
- Synodontis catfish (which tend to stay out of the way of aggressive cichlids)
- Avoid: It’s best to avoid housing Scrapermouth Mbunas with more peaceful species or other territorial males of the same species, as aggression can lead to stress or injury. Males should ideally be kept in groups with multiple females to reduce aggression.
5. Common Challenges and Tips
- Aggression: Males can be very aggressive toward one another, especially during breeding seasons. It is important to provide enough space and hiding spots to allow individuals to establish and defend their territories. Keeping several females with one male can help to diffuse aggression.
- Water Quality: Regular water changes (20–30% weekly) are crucial for maintaining optimal water quality. A strong filtration system is necessary to handle the waste produced by these active fish. Overcrowding should be avoided, as it can lead to stress and poor water conditions.
- Breeding: The Scrapermouth Mbuna “Marmalade” is a substrate spawner, with males typically courting females through displays of aggression and colorful displays. Females lay eggs in sheltered locations, which they will protect until the eggs hatch. Like many Mbuna cichlids, this species practices mouthbrooding, with the female carrying the fertilized eggs in her mouth until the fry are ready to swim on their own.
Conclusion
The Scrapermouth Mbuna “Marmalade” (Labeotropheus trewavasae) is a beautiful, active, and engaging species that adds both color and excitement to an aquarium. While they can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season, they are well-suited for aquarists with experience managing territorial fish. By providing the right tank setup, diet, and tankmates, this species can thrive in a community setup and provide years of enjoyment.