Do Not Recommend Putting It With Calm Fish: Know More About Labidochromis sp. Hongi

Labidochromis sp. hongi

Labidochromis sp. hongi pictured.

• Common Names: Kimpuma, Red Top Kimpuma, Super Red Top Kimpuma, and most recently this species has been listed as Labidochromis sp. Hongi Island.  There has been quite some confusion about the species name of this fish.  The proper species name is Labidochromis sp. Hongi although you will probably see it as Labidochromis sp. Kimpuma quite often.   Kimpuma is a name that originated in Europe.
• Locations Collected From: Hongi Island and Lundo Island
• Approximate Size:  4.5 inches with females only attaining about 3.5 inches
• Food:  Not picky.  Eats everything from pellets to algae it’s scraped from the rocks.
• Water Conditions:  Likes a pH range from 7.5 – 8.5.  With temperatures ranging from 75 – 82 degrees F.  A very tolerant species.
• Breeding Behavior:  Mouthbrooder.   Like most other Mbuna the males are extremely aggressive, particularly around spawning time.  I would definitely recommend that you only keep one male per aquarium unless you have a very large aquarium.  I would definitely keep more than one female per male.  The males will harass the females quite vigorously.  Have moderate size spawns for a Labidochromis.  My breeders are averaging between 20-35 per spawn.   A lot of rock work is definitely recommended. 
• Care of the Fry:  Fry can eat crushed flake food and other small foods once released.  My fry was not very picky about water conditions much like the adults. 
• Tankmates: They will definitely hold their own with the more aggressive Mbuna such as Melanochromis and Psuedotropheus.  I wouldn’t recommend any of the more calm fish such as Peacocks or Utaka.  Should do fine with some of the more aggressive Victorian species.  This species did well with Pundamilia nyererei Makobe Island, Haplochromis sp. Blue Fire Fin, Astatotilapia nubila, Psuedotropheus zebra, Psuedotropheus elongatus, Nimbochromis fuscotaeniolatus, and some of the larger Protomelas species.

Further Reading

• Why Should We Protect Natural Habitats For Fish? Ways To Keep Species Alive 2023
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• Aquatics About Cichlids: What Is Aulonocara “German Red”?
• Looking For A Large Fish? List Of Information About Nimbochromis Fuscotaeniatus
• Armoured Catfish: Corydoras Catfish Guide On Origin, Maintenance Needs, And Varieties 2023
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