Unknown Variety

Unknown variety maingano cichlid describes a maingano, Melanochromis cyaneorhabdos, whose exact aquarium background is not known. The normal fish is already strongly colored, with dark blue to black bands running along a bright blue body, so many specimens are sold without any special variety name. An unknown-variety label may cover ordinary captive-bred stock, a selected line with lost records, or a possible mix with another closely related mbuna.

The practical approach is to confirm the fish's identity as well as possible before breeding or reselling it. Compare body shape, striping, and adult sex characteristics, and be cautious with fish from mixed African cichlid tanks. Mineral-rich water and strong filtration are important in the aquarium. Rockwork provides territories, and the diet should avoid excess animal protein. Unknown-variety fish can be kept for display, but they are not suitable for projects that require documented lineage.

Colors: Black, Blue