Powder Blue Socolofi Cichlid (Pseudotropheus socolofi) is an intermediate-level freshwater fish that needs at least 55 gallons and 75-82°F. A soft blue mbuna that is calmer than many Malawi cichlids but still territorial. Keep one male with several females in hard, alkaline water with rockwork, and avoid pairing it with very aggressive mbuna.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Pseudotropheus socolofi |
|---|---|
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Origin | Lake Malawi, East Africa |
| Adult size | 5 in |
| Minimum tank | 55 gallons |
| Temperature | 75-82°F |
| pH | 7.6-8.6 |
| Temperament | Territorial but milder than many mbuna |
| Social behavior | One male with several females |
| Swim level | All levels |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Diet | Mostly herbivore: spirulina flakes, vegetable pellets, some frozen foods |
| Typical lifespan | 6-10 years |
Quick tips
- One male per tank unless it is large.
- Needs hard, alkaline water and rock caves.
- Feed plant-based foods; avoid red meats.
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