Labeotropheus trewavasae "OB"

Bold, colourful, and wonderfully distinctive — the Labeotropheus trewavasae “OB” is a stunning Orange Blotch colour variant of the popular Trewavasae Mbuna from Lake Malawi. Combining the robust, downturned-mouth body form of Labeotropheus with the spectacular Orange Blotch colour pattern, this is a truly eye-catching and collectible Mbuna cichlid.

Overview

Appearance

The OB Trewavasae displays the spectacular Orange Blotch pattern — a mosaic of orange, black, and white blotches across the body — on the distinctive Labeotropheus body form, which features a characteristic downturned, overhanging snout adapted for scraping algae from rocks. The OB gene can be expressed in both males and females, making this one of the few Mbuna colour forms where females can be as colourful as males. Each fish displays a unique blotch pattern, making every individual a one-of-a-kind specimen.

Water Parameters & Tank Setup

• Temperature: 76 – 82°F (24 – 28°C)
• pH: 7.8 – 8.5
• General Hardness (GH): 10 – 20 dGH
• Tank Size: Minimum 55 gallons
• Substrate: Sand; large rock formations for territory and algae grazing
• Decor: Rock caves and open swimming space; rocks with algae growth appreciated

Diet & Feeding

• Staple: High-quality cichlid pellets and spirulina-based foods — primarily herbivorous
• Treats: Blanched vegetables, spirulina flakes, and frozen daphnia
• Note: Primarily algae scrapers — avoid high-protein meaty foods to prevent Malawi Bloat

Feed 2–3 times daily.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Best kept in a Lake Malawi Mbuna community. Keep in groups with multiple females per male. Avoid mixing with very peaceful species.

Breeding

Maternal mouthbrooders. Females incubate eggs in their mouths for 3–4 weeks.

The Labeotropheus trewavasae “OB” is a bold and colourful Mbuna that brings spectacular Orange Blotch patterning and distinctive body form to any Lake Malawi aquarium. A wonderful collector’s fish.