Yellow-Tail Acei Cichlid (Pseudotropheus acei) is an intermediate-level freshwater fish that needs at least 55 gallons and 75-82°F. A slim, silvery-blue Malawi cichlid with a yellow tail. It is one of the calmer Malawi species but still needs rockwork, hard alkaline water and a group larger than a few fish to spread out any aggression.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Pseudotropheus acei |
|---|---|
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Origin | Lake Malawi, East Africa |
| Adult size | 5-6 in |
| Minimum tank | 55 gallons |
| Temperature | 75-82°F |
| pH | 7.5-8.6 |
| Temperament | Mostly peaceful for a Malawi cichlid, some chasing |
| Social behavior | Group of 6+ in a large tank |
| Swim level | Mid |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Diet | Omnivore: cichlid pellets, spirulina, frozen foods |
| Typical lifespan | 6-8 years |
Quick tips
- Keep a group in a long tank.
- Use rock caves and open swimming room.
- Use hard, alkaline water.
San Diego water
Naturally suited to San Diego's hard, alkaline tap water once it is dechlorinated (the city uses chloramine, so use a conditioner that handles it). Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
Before you buy
Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi