Snow White Cichlid

Snow White Cichlid (Pseudotropheus socolofi) is a clean, elegant mbuna with a pale powder-blue to almost white body. Males are a purer blue-white while females are paler. Moderately aggressive — less belligerent than many relatives — making it a popular choice for mixed Malawi community aquariums.

Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Cichlid Excel or Hikari Mini Algae Wafers are the ideal staples — Hikari Micro Pellets as backup. Supplement sparingly with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily. This species is highly susceptible to high-protein foods — see the warning below.

⚠ Malawi Bloat Warning: This is a herbivore-leaning mbuna highly susceptible to Malawi Bloat — a serious and often fatal digestive condition triggered by high-protein foods. Do not feed bloodworms, tubifex, or other high-protein foods. Use plant-based and spirulina-rich foods as the staple. Hikari Cichlid Excel or Hikari Mini Algae Wafers are ideal; Hikari Micro Pellets work as a lower-protein backup.

Lake Malawi is a large, deep, alkaline lake with remarkably stable water chemistry. Hard, alkaline water with excellent filtration and regular water changes are essential. Crushed coral or aragonite substrate helps maintain the required pH and hardness. Provide plenty of rockwork to create territories and sight-breaks — this significantly reduces aggression by giving subordinate fish refuge from dominant males.

Keep in groups of at least six with one male to multiple females. Males are territorial and will chase females persistently — multiple females and abundant rockwork reduce stress. Compatible with Yellow Labs and other peaceful mbuna and Aulonocara peacock species.

The Snow White Cichlid creates a beautiful contrast in a mixed Malawi aquarium alongside more vividly colored species — its clean pale coloration is a striking foil to the intense blues, oranges, and yellows of Aulonocara peacocks.

Care & Ideal Parameters