Scrapermouth Mbuna (Labeotropheus fuelleborni and L. trewavasae) is an intermediate-level freshwater fish that needs at least 55 gallons and 76-82°F. A sturdy Malawi rock-dweller with a fleshy snout built for scraping algae off stone. It is territorial and does best with other mbuna in a tank with lots of rockwork, hard water and a plant-based diet.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Labeotropheus fuelleborni and L. trewavasae |
|---|---|
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Origin | Lake Malawi, Africa |
| Adult size | 5-6 in |
| Minimum tank | 55 gallons |
| Temperature | 76-82°F |
| pH | 7.8-8.6 |
| Temperament | Aggressive, territorial |
| Social behavior | Group in a heavily rocked tank |
| Swim level | Rocks and mid-water |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Diet | Herbivore-leaning: spirulina flakes and pellets, vegetables; avoid heavy protein |
| Typical lifespan | 8-10 years |
Quick tips
- Feed vegetable-based foods; too much protein causes bloat.
- Use stacked rockwork with many caves.
- Do not mix with calm, soft-water fish.
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