{"product_id":"dolphin-manda-african-metriaclima-sp-dolphin-manda","title":"Dolphin Manda African (Metriaclima sp. “Dolphin Manda)","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eDolphin Manda African Cichlid Care\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA rare and impressive Lake Malawi Mbuna with brilliant blue colouring and bold black vertical stripes!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Dolphin Manda is a striking rock-dwelling African cichlid sometimes known as the \u003cstrong\u003eGiant Demasoni\u003c\/strong\u003e because of its similar pattern and larger adult size. Its intense colouring, active behaviour and confident personality make it an outstanding feature fish in a well-planned Mbuna aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eMetriaclima\u003c\/em\u003e sp. “Dolphin Manda”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlso known as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Giant Demasoni\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Manda, Lake Malawi, Africa\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 12–15 cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intermediate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-aggressive and territorial\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e We recommend an aquarium of at least 300 litres. Include plenty of rocks, caves and visual barriers to create territories, along with open areas for swimming.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maintain a temperature of 24–28°C and a pH between 7.5 and 8.5. Hard, alkaline water with excellent filtration and stable conditions is essential.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank mates:\u003c\/strong\u003e Best kept with similarly sized Lake Malawi Mbuna that can handle its active nature. Avoid peaceful community fish, slow-moving species and fish with very similar colour patterns.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGroup size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ideally kept as one male with three or more females. Multiple males may fight unless housed in a large aquarium with plenty of territories and carefully managed stocking.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dolphin Manda Cichlids naturally graze on aufwuchs growing across rocky surfaces. Feed a quality spirulina-based Mbuna pellet or flake, supplemented with other vegetable-rich foods. Avoid excessive fatty or animal-based protein. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBreeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e This species is a maternal mouthbrooder. The female carries the fertilised eggs and developing fry in her mouth until they are ready to swim independently.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its rare status, bold pattern and impressive adult size, the Dolphin Manda is a fantastic choice for experienced African cichlid keepers wanting something special for their Lake Malawi aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDolphin Manda is currently considered an undescribed geographic form, which is why its scientific name includes “sp.” rather than a formally recognised species name.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Top Fin Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44200595259466,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0594\/4436\/3338\/files\/mandadolphin.jpg?v=1789290188","url":"https:\/\/www.topfinaquatics.co.nz\/products\/dolphin-manda-african-metriaclima-sp-dolphin-manda","provider":"Top Fin Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}