Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Bumblebee Cichlid
Pseudotropheus crabro (Ribbink & Lewis, 1982)
Also called Hornet Cichlid, Bumblebee Mbuna, Melanochromis crabro, Maylandia crabro
From Endemic to Lake Malawi, East Africa: reefs and islands including Eccles Reef, Maleri, Mbenji, Likoma and Chisumulu Islands and Nkhata Bay, often near large caves and boulders.12
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Elongated rock-dwelling mbuna
A long-bodied cichlid striped in yellow and black, much like a bumblebee. Youngsters are the brightest; adults, males especially, become darker.2
Personality what they are like
Hardy but very assertive. It is best in a species tank or with other robust mbuna, as one male with several females.2
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Active and curious; in the wild it follows large catfish and explores around caves and boulders.21
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Keep stable, hard, alkaline water with good filtration and regular partial water changes, plus plenty of large rocks and caves.12
Home where they are happiest
Rocky aquarium with caves and big stones, temperature 24-26 C and pH 7.5-8.2. No reliable minimum tank size found.1
Food basics what goes in the bowl
In nature it picks parasites off the kampango catfish and also eats opportunistically; in aquariums it accepts a wide variety of foods.12
Company who they like around
Keep as one male with several females, either alone or among other sturdy mbuna.2
The story where it all began
It was described by Ribbink and Lewis in 1982 as Melanochromis crabro and has since been moved to Maylandia and then Pseudotropheus. Its common names, bumblebee and hornet cichlid, come from its yellow and black striping.21
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It works as a cleaner fish for the large kampango catfish, picking off fish lice.2
- 2
It can switch quickly to dark brown, which helps it approach the catfish's guarded nest.2
- 3
Wild individuals sometimes swim up to divers, possibly to check them over like they check catfish.2
- 4
It lives at depths of roughly 15 to 18 metres.1
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 20 June 2018)1
- Taxonomy
- Described in 1982 by Ribbink & Lewis as Melanochromis crabro; later Maylandia, now Pseudotropheus2
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Bumblebee Cichlid. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Bumblebee Cichlid?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding small amounts once or twice a day. This active fish accepts a wide variety of foods, so you can offer a mix of quality cichlid pellets, flakes, and occasional treats like brine shrimp.21 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Bumblebee Cichlid eat, and what should it never eat?
In nature it picks parasites off catfish and eats opportunistically; in the aquarium it accepts a wide variety of foods. Never feed it anything that could foul the water quickly, like large pieces of meat, and always follow the food label and your vet's advice for balanced nutrition.21
How much space does a Bumblebee Cichlid need?
No reliable minimum tank size was found, but because it is active and assertive, a spacious tank with plenty of rocks and caves is best. For a group with one male and several females, a larger aquarium is recommended to reduce aggression.1
What temperature, light or water does a Bumblebee Cichlid need?
Keep the water temperature between 24-26°C with a pH of 7.5-8.2, and maintain hard, alkaline conditions. Good filtration and regular water changes are important, and you can use standard aquarium lighting.12
How often should I clean a Bumblebee Cichlid's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, weekly glass cleaning, and a monthly filter rinse using old tank water (never tap water). Regular water testing each week helps keep conditions stable. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Bumblebee Cichlid live with others?
It is hardy but very assertive, so it is best kept in a species tank with one male and several females, or with other robust mbuna. Avoid small or timid fish, as this cichlid can be aggressive.2
How long does a Bumblebee Cichlid live?
Lifespan varies depending on care and environment; ask a good breeder or exotic-pet vet for specific estimates. With stable water conditions and proper feeding, they can live several years.
Can I handle a Bumblebee Cichlid?
It is best not to handle this fish, as it can stress them and damage their slime coat. Enjoy watching their active, curious behavior from outside the tank.21
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- FishBase: Pseudotropheus crabro fishbase.seused for taxonomy, size, water, distribution, IUCN, diet
- Wikipedia: Pseudotropheus crabro en.wikipedia.orgused for names, colour, diet, behaviour, care, history, fun facts
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.