Mpimbwe Black Bee
Mpimbwe Black Bee (Cyprichromis leptosoma) is a spectacular open-water schooling cichlid from Lake Tanganyika. The Mpimbwe locality form displays a striking combination of jet-black body with vivid electric blue and yellow accents. Unlike most cichlids, Cyprichromis are genuinely schooling open-water fish that must be kept in groups.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Cichlid Bio-Gold is the ideal staple — Hikari Micro Pellets as backup. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp. Feed in open water — Cyprichromis are midwater feeders that pick zooplankton from the water column and will not compete well for bottom-placed food.
Lake Tanganyika is one of the world's oldest and most chemically stable lakes — its water is hard, alkaline, and crystal-clear. Replicating these conditions is essential. Use crushed coral or aragonite substrate to maintain alkalinity, provide excellent filtration and water clarity, and perform regular partial water changes. Tanganyikan cichlids are highly sensitive to poor water quality and must never be kept in soft or acidic conditions.
Keep in groups of at least eight — Cyprichromis are genuine schooling cichlids that are stressed, dull-colored, and unhealthy in small numbers. A large group with multiple males creates a spectacular living display as males constantly show their coloration to females. Mix well with shell dwellers and rock-dwelling Tanganyikans.
Native to the open water over rocky drop-offs near Mpimbwe on the Tanzanian coast of Lake Tanganyika. Females hold eggs and fry in the water column — not near rocks. The Mpimbwe Black Bee is one of the most extraordinary cichlids available — a genuinely schooling cichlid with spectacular coloration that creates a living display unlike anything else in Tanganyikan cichlid keeping.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful — schooling open-water cichlid |
| Typical Adult Size | 4.0 inches (10 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 8 minimum — groups of 12+ for best display |
| Ideal Temp | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 7.8–9.0 |
| Ideal GH | 10–20 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 8–15 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Cichlid Bio-Gold; Hikari Micro Pellets (backup) |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp |
| Origin | Mpimbwe, Tanzanian coast, Lake Tanganyika |
| Notes | One of the only genuinely schooling cichlids. Jet-black with blue and yellow accents. Midwater feeder. Mouthbrooder — females brood in open water. Groups of 8+ essential. |
