Description
Hippo Point (Labeotropheus fuelleborni), also known as the Fuelleborni Rock Cichlid, is a striking fish native to Lake Malawi in Africa. Renowned for its bold colours and distinctive head shape, it features a vibrant yellow or orange body with black vertical bars and a prominent forehead, giving it a unique and eye-catching appearance. Typically reaching about 10-12cm in length, Hippo Point is a semi-aggressive species that thrives in rocky, aquarium environments mimicking its natural habitat. Its active behaviour and vivid markings make it a popular choice among Malawi cichlid enthusiasts.
Tank Recommendations:
A minimum of 100 litres is suitable for a pair or small group, with plenty of rocky structures, caves, and hiding spots. Use sand or fine gravel substrate to replicate their environment. Maintain water temperature between 24-26°C, pH around 7.8-8.6, and soft to moderately hard water. Regular water changes and strong filtration are necessary to keep water quality high, especially given their territorial nature.
Compatibility & Incompatibility:
Hippo Point pairs well with other peaceful or semi-aggressive Malawi cichlids such as Lethrinops or Aulonocara. Avoid housing them with overly aggressive or much larger fish that could bully or prey on them. During breeding, they can become territorial, so providing ample hiding spaces is important.
Best Feeding Regime:
Herbivorous; they thrive on high-quality vegetable-based flakes or pellets, supplemented with algae wafers and blanched vegetables like spinach or peas. They can also accept live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp or daphnia occasionally. Feed twice daily, only what they can consume within a few minutes to maintain water quality.
Additional Details:
- Scientific Name: Labeotropheus fuelleborni
- Care Level: Moderate
- Common Names: Hippo Point, Fuelleborni Rock Cichlid
- Diet: Primarily herbivorous, vegetable-focused diet
- Fish Family: Cichlidae
- Lifespan: 8-10 years
- Max. Length: 12cm
- Min. Tank Volume: 100 litres
- Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa
- Sociability: Semi-aggressive, territorial during breeding
- Water Conditions: pH 7.8-8.6, Temperature 24-26°C, soft to moderately hard water
Hippo Point is a colourful, active species that adds character and vibrancy to a Malawi cichlid setup, rewarding keepers with its bold markings and lively behaviour when provided with the right environment.
