This is one of the most common mbuna species of Lake Malawi that inhabits the rocky areas. It grows to a size of 14 cm. Males are midly aggressive so provide good number of female fishes in the aquarium. It is simple fish to handle but since it used to pick sand and hide under the burrows, provide the aquarium with coarse sand and good number of boulders. Ideal water quality requirements are temperature 22-28 0C, pH 7.8-8.6 and hardness 10-14 dGH. It is omnivore and relish well on all food flakes and pellet  diets. Males are generally blue in colour but may be red/orange sometimes. Females vary in colour  and are generally orange or red. Males are larger in size and may reach a length of 14 cm whereas, female generally do not grow more than 10 cm. It is a maternal mouth brooder.