Trewavasae Pombo Rocks

Labeotropheus trewavasae

Females current availability are OB

Trewavasae Pombo Rocks is a rare locality form of Labeotropheus trewavasae, a classic Lake Malawi mbuna known for a sturdy body, specialized grazing profile, and active cave-dwelling behavior.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Up to about 6 inches.
• Coloration: Dimorphic; males develop stronger color and pattern while females are more subdued or variably patterned.
• Body Shape: Sturdy Labeotropheus mbuna body with a specialized grazing profile and downturned mouth.

Origin and Habitat

• Native Region: Pombo Rocks is in far northern Lake Malawi on the Tanzanian side of the lake, close to Lundu, Ndumbi Reef, and Ndumbi Point.
• Natural Habitat: Rocky habitat, preferably free of sediment, but also occurring in sediment-rich rocky areas. Found from surface waters down to depths of about 131 ft.
• Same-Locality Cichlids: Other cichlids recorded from Pombo Rocks include Chindongo demasoni 'Pombo Rocks', Chindongo sp. 'perspicax yellow breast' Pombo Rocks, Cynotilapia zebroides 'Pombo Rocks', and Labeotropheus fuelleborni 'Pombo Rocks'.

Behavior and Temperament

• Temperament: Mildly aggressive.
• Social Behavior: Best with compatible Lake Malawi mbuna in a rock-structured aquarium.

Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: A 55 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended.
• Water Parameters: 74-84°F, pH 7.4-8.4, hard water.
• Tank Setup: Provide sand, extensive rockwork, caves, grazing surfaces, broken sightlines, and strong filtration.

Diet and Feeding

• Primary Staple: Feed a quality daily diet such as Ron’s Mbuna Food.
• Juveniles: Growing fish can be fed Ron’s Juvenile Food.
• Fry: Newly released fry should be started on Ron’s Fry Food.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed 1–2 small meals daily and avoid overfeeding.

Breeding

• Breeding Type: Maternal mouthbrooder.
• Breeding Notes: Males display around rock territories and females mouthbrood eggs and fry.

Tank Mates

• Compatible With: Other Lake Malawi mbuna and sturdy African cichlids of similar size.
• Avoid: Tiny fish, delicate community fish, and highly aggressive mbuna in cramped aquariums.