Why is my Acei Cichlid swimming at the top of the tank?

Unlike most mbuna that stick closely to the rocks at the bottom, Acei Cichlids naturally prefer the middle and upper levels of the water column. This open-water swimming behaviour is completely normal.

Can I put driftwood in an Acei Cichlid tank?

Yes. In the wild, they specifically inhabit areas with sunken logs and branches to graze on algae. Just ensure the wood is fully cured so it does not release tannins that could lower your pH, as they still require hard, alkaline water.

How many Acei Cichlids should I keep together?

They are highly social and should be kept in a group of at least five or six. Keeping them in a shoal disperses any minor aggression and encourages their natural, confident behaviours.

Why did my Acei Cichlid stop eating and get a swollen jaw?

If you have a female, she is likely holding eggs or fry in her mouth. Maternal mouthbrooders will carry their young for around three weeks, during which time they will not eat.

What is the best food for an Acei Cichlid?

They require a strict, high-quality herbivore diet. Spirulina-based flakes or pellets designed for mbuna are ideal. Avoid bloodworms or high-protein meaty foods, as these will cause a fatal condition called Malawi bloat.

FreshwaterTropicalIntermediate

Acei Cichlid

Pseudotropheus sp. 'acei'

The Acei Cichlid is a remarkably peaceful, mid-water swimming mbuna from Lake Malawi, celebrated for its vivid colouration and highly gregarious nature.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 28 °C
pH range: 7.8 – 8.6
Hardness: 10 – 25 dGH
Adult size: 12 – 15 cm
200 Litres (4ft tank minimum): 200 litres+
Lifespan: 8 – 10 years
Diet: Herbivore
Water flow: moderate
Preferred setup: Sandy substrate with rock formations and open swimming spaces; sunken, well-cured hardwood can be included.

About the Acei Cichlid

Unlike most rock-dwelling mbuna, Pseudotropheus sp. 'acei' is naturally drawn to submerged wood and open water. This makes them a fantastic addition to a Lake Malawi biotope, as they actively occupy the upper and middle levels of the aquarium. They are highly gregarious and should always be kept in groups, displaying a stunning contrast of deep blue or purplish bodies with bright yellow or white fins, depending on their collection locality.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Acei Cichlid comes from

Native range

Lake Malawi

Countries / regions

Malawi

Habitat

Shallow, sandy areas along the shoreline, particularly around submerged branches, logs, and roots where they graze on algae.

Populations are largely restricted to the western coast of Lake Malawi, with distinct colour morphs emerging in isolated localities like Ngara and Itungi.

Similar species

Pindani Cichlid
Chindongo socolofi
Yellow Lab
Labidochromis caeruleus

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

View all compatibility

Yellow Lab
Labidochromis caeruleus
Shares similar water requirements, possesses a comparatively peaceful temperament for a mbuna, and provides an excellent colour contrast.
Great
Rusty Cichlid
Iodotropheus sprengerae
Another mildly tempered mbuna that will peacefully coexist with the Acei in a properly sized community.
Great
Zebra Cichlid
Maylandia zebra
Zebras are significantly more territorial and aggressive; they may bully the more docile Acei if the tank lacks sufficient space and sightline breaks.
Compatible with caution
Auratus Cichlid
Melanochromis auratus
Highly aggressive and violently territorial; likely to terrorise or kill the peaceful Acei.
Not recommended
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Requires completely different, soft, acidic water and will quickly become a snack for adult mbuna.
Not recommended

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