Socolofi Blue Cichlid - 10cm

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Pseudotropheus socolofi
• Common Name: Socolofi Blue Cichlid, Powder Blue Cichlid
• Adult Size: 4–5 inches (10–13 cm)
• Life Expectancy: 6–10 years
• Habitat: Rocky shorelines of Lake Malawi, particularly in the eastern coastal regions like along the Mozambique coast

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons (55+ gallons recommended for groups or mixed Mbuna setups)
• Ideal Temperature: 75–80°F (24–27°C)
• pH Range: 7.8–8.6
• Water Hardness: 10–20 dGH
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive; territorial but less aggressive than some Mbuna; does well in species groups or with other similarly tempered Malawi cichlids

Diet & Nutrition

• Omnivorous: Yes
  • Primarily herbivorous in the wild, grazing on algae and biofilm
  • Ideal diet includes spirulina flakes, veggie-based cichlid pellets, and occasional protein (e.g., brine shrimp)
  • Avoid rich animal proteins (like bloodworms) to reduce risk of bloat

Appearance

• Bright powder blue body with faint or no barring (some individuals may show subtle darker lines)
• Fins often tipped with black, especially in males
• Females and subdominant males are duller in color

Distinctive Features

• Solid pastel blue coloration, giving it the “powder blue” nickname
• Peaceful appearance but still holds territory like a typical Mbuna
• Compact body shape with a blunt head and strong jaws for scraping algae