How Big Can Mbuna Cichlids Grow? A Detailed Guide to Adult Size

How big a Mbuna cichlid can grow mainly depends on the species. Generally, the Green Horsehead can reach 35 cm, the Meteor Cichlid can reach 30 cm, the Emperor Cichlid and the Big-mouth Cichlid reach 30 cm, and the War God can reach 25-32 cm. Below are several Mbuna cichlid species for everyone to learn about.

1. Thick-lipped Chocolate

The Thick-lipped Chocolate, originally called the thick-lipped black cichlid, has wide, thick lips and a very thin body. Above the anal fin there are orange-red egg spots, and its body color remains a blackish brown without metallic luster. During the breeding season, males develop a faint reddish glow on the body surface, a coloration that is very rare among Lake Malawi cichlids.

2. Yellow Emperor

The Yellow Emperor is a relatively easy species to keep in mixed tanks and is the most common introduced fish species in tropical and subtropical regions. Adult females of this species are brown all over, with rather plain and ordinary coloration, while adult males have obvious yellow on the sides of the body and a bright metallic blue around the head and cheeks, making them very beautiful, which is why they are also known abroad as the “guppy”.

3. Blue-flower Peacock

The Blue-flower Peacock has a unique purple dorsal fin. Once fully colored up, it is very beautiful when it spreads its dorsal fin.

In addition, the African Phoenix, the Pike King Angel, the Super Sir Fire Crest and others are also widely loved Mbuna cichlid species, and everyone can choose which to keep according to their own preferences.