RAKKAD AQUAAQUATIC FISH CARE

Strawberry Cichlid Blackeye

African Rift Cichlid (Malawi)

Cichlidae • Origin: Lake Malawi, East Africa • Lifespan: 8-10 years

Intermediate Aggressive All levels

Care LevelIntermediate

TemperamentAggressive

Min Tank Size200 L

Adult Size

4-6 in (10-15 cm)

Temperature

24-28°C

pH Range

7.8-8.6

Water Hardness

Hard / Alkaline (10-20 dGH)

Diet

Omnivore

Social & Grouping

Groups (species-appropriate)

About this fish

Strawberry Cichlid Blackeye is a colourful, boldly territorial Lake Malawi cichlid. It needs hard, alkaline water and a rocky, cave-filled aquascape, with stocking planned to spread aggression.

Care tips

Hard, alkaline water is essential — not for soft-water community tanks.
Build rockwork with many caves; keep them appropriately stocked to diffuse aggression.
Mbuna need veg-based food (avoid excess protein → Malawi bloat); peacocks/haps take more protein.

Recommended feeding · AQA range

StapleAQA Cichlid Colour Enhancercolour-enhancing cichlid food

TreatAQA Brineshrimp Flakeshigh-protein conditioning flake

Mbuna are veg-leaning — keep protein moderate to avoid bloat.

RAKKAD AQUA · Aquatic Fish Care · Ref RA-FSH-0268 · Ships at ~4 in

SCANfull care guide on the Rakkad Aqua hub