Saulosi Mbuna (Chindongo saulosi)

Name: Saulosi Mbuna (Chindongo saulosi)
Brand: Legacy Line Aquatics LLC
Price: 13.5 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

$13.50

Saulosi Cichlids are compact Lake Malawi mbuna that provide two dramatically different adult colors within the same species. Females and juveniles are bright yellow to golden orange, while mature dominant males develop a blue body with bold black vertical bars.

Their smaller adult size makes them more manageable than many mbuna, but they still display the active, territorial behavior expected from a rock-dwelling African cichlid. They are best maintained in a properly structured colony with extensive rockwork.

Why Hobbyists Love Saulosi Cichlids

Yellow females and blue-barred males in the same species
Smaller adult size than many common mbuna
Constantly active and highly visible
Fascinating maternal mouthbrooding behavior
Excellent species for a dedicated Lake Malawi colony

What You’re Getting from Legacy Line Aquatics

Clean systems
Proper feeding, with a mixture of quality vegetable-based pellets, spirulina foods, algae-based foods, frozen brine shrimp in moderation, and other appropriate foods
Parasite free

Adult Size: Approximately 3–4 inches
Temperament: Territorial and semi-aggressive
Difficulty: Intermediate
Lifespan: Approximately 6–8 years
Minimum Tank Size: 40-gallon breeder
Temperature: 76–82°F

Temperament & Behavior

Saulosi Cichlids are active, territorial mbuna. Males establish and defend rocky territories, while females benefit from numerous caves and visual barriers that allow them to avoid constant attention. They should generally be maintained as a colony with more females than males rather than as a single pair.

Juveniles are normally yellow or golden. Males gradually develop blue coloration and black vertical bars as they mature and establish dominance.

Feeding

Saulosi are primarily aufwuchs grazers and should receive a diet containing substantial vegetable and algae-based nutrition. Excessive rich animal protein and heavy feeding can contribute to digestive problems.

Recommended foods:

Spirulina flakes
Vegetable-based mbuna pellets
Algae wafers
Quality African cichlid granules
Frozen brine shrimp occasionally
Blanched vegetables occasionally

They do best in tanks with:

Extensive stable rockwork
Numerous caves and narrow passages
Broken lines of sight
Open sand along the front of the aquarium
Strong filtration and high oxygen
Hard, alkaline water around pH 7.5–8.6

Tank Size (Recommended)

Juvenile group: 40-gallon breeder minimum
Adult breeding colony: 55 gallons or larger preferred
Mixed mbuna community: 75 gallons or larger

Water Temperature

Ideal range: 76–82°F
Stability and strong oxygenation are especially important

Tank Mates (Good Choices)

A species-only Saulosi colony is the safest and most dependable setup. In larger mixed African cichlid aquariums, tank mates should have similar dietary and water requirements.

Good tank mates may include:

Compatible mbuna in larger aquariums:

Yellow Tail Acei
Rusty Cichlids
Yellow Lab Cichlids
Other moderately aggressive mbuna with different coloration and body patterns

Compatible catfish:

Synodontis lucipinnis
Other appropriately sized Lake Tanganyika Synodontis

Avoid:

Peaceful community fish
Slow or long-finned fish
Extremely aggressive mbuna
Closely related species with a high hybridization risk
Keeping one male with only one female
High-protein diets intended for predatory cichlids

Local Delivery

Delivery is available within an 80-mile maximum distance from Owensboro, Kentucky.
$150 minimum order is required for delivery
$25 delivery fee applies

Local Meet-Up

Local meet-up is available.
After order we will contact you by email, or through Facebook or Instagram Messenger.
We will arrange a date, time, and public location to meet.

Shipping & Live Arrival

Live fish are shipped Monday–Wednesday (weather permitting) to reduce transit risk. Please review our How Shipping Works page and DOA policy before ordering.