All you need to know about Mbunas

Mbunas are vibrant, rock-dwelling cichlids from Lake Malawi, known for their colourful appearance and active personalities. Keeping them healthy requires the right tank setup, social management, and a balanced diet. Intan Herbivore Wafers and Breeder & Grower feeds for the fish fry provide essential nutrition to support digestion, boost immunity, enhance colour, and promote healthy growth, making it easier for hobbyists and breeders to maintain thriving Mbunas in their aquariums.

In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about these captivating fish.

What Are Mbunas?

Mbunas are rock-dwelling cichlids, and the term “Mbuna” itself means “rockfish” in the local Malawian language. They are known for:

• Bright, vibrant colours – ranging from deep blues and fiery reds to yellows and oranges.
• Active personalities – always swimming and exploring their environment.
• Territorial behaviour – particularly males, who establish and defend their rock territories.

These characteristics make Mbunas a favourite among freshwater aquarium enthusiasts, but they also require careful attention to tank setup and compatibility with other fish.

Ideal Tank Setup for Mbunas

Creating the right environment for Mbunas is crucial. Here are some key points:

• Tank size: A minimum of 75 litres is recommended for a small group, with larger tanks preferred for multiple males.
• Rock formations: Mbunas love caves and crevices. Rocks provide hiding spaces, reduce aggression, and mimic their natural habitat.
• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel works best, as Mbunas like to dig and sift through the substrate.
• Filtration & water quality: Strong filtration is essential to maintain clean water, as Mbunas are sensitive to poor water conditions. Regular water changes help keep nitrate and ammonia levels low.

By replicating their natural rocky environment, you’ll reduce stress and encourage natural behaviours in your Mbunas.

Feeding Mbunas

Mbunas are primarily herbivores, although some species are omnivorous. Feeding them the right diet is essential to maintain their health and vibrant colours.

• Vegetable-rich diet: Offer spirulina-based flakes and vegetable pellets
• Avoid too much protein: Excess protein can cause digestive issues and bloat, which is common in cichlids.

Intan Herbivore Wafers (Sinking Wafers) are a highly nutritious, 100% vegetarian feed designed for herbivorous fish like Mollies, Mbunas, and Plecos. Packed with 30% protein from high-quality leafy greens, vegetables, and spirulina, these wafers support healthy digestion, boost immunity, and reduce inflammation. The spirulina and added antioxidants like carotenoids enhance your fish’s vibrant colours while improving nutrient absorption. With excellent digestibility, low water turbidity, and a balanced mix of vitamins and minerals, Intan Herbivore Wafers provide a complete, wholesome diet for your herbivorous fish.

Feeding Mbunas 2-3 small meals per day rather than one large meal helps maintain stable digestion and energy levels.

Behaviour and Social Dynamics

Mbunas are fascinating to observe due to their strong social behaviours. Key points to keep in mind:

• Territorial males: Male Mbunas are aggressive and will defend their area vigorously. Providing multiple hiding spots reduces conflicts.
• Hierarchy in groups: Mbunas establish a pecking order. Keeping them in groups of at least six helps diffuse aggression.
• Compatibility: Avoid mixing Mbunas with slow-moving or delicate fish, as their activity and aggression can stress other species.

Understanding these social dynamics allows you to set up a peaceful, thriving aquarium for your Mbunas.

Breeding Mbunas

Mbunas are mouthbrooders, meaning the female carries fertilised eggs in her mouth until they hatch. Here’s how to encourage successful breeding:

• Separate breeding tank: A 60-litre tank with rocks and hiding places is ideal for spawning.
• Balanced diet: A high-quality, vegetable-rich diet enhances fertility and egg health.
• Monitor behaviour: Males will court females by displaying vibrant colours and performing intricate dances. Give the female space to retreat if she’s stressed.

Feed the Mbunas fry Intan Breeder & Grower Feeds. Starting with B1 to transitioning to B2, B3 and finally B4. These feeds are meant to nourish the fish babies till juvenile or semi-adult stages, perfect for their early stage development. They include high-quality ingredients like Fish Meal, Shrimp Meal & Antarctic Krill. This formulation ensures healthy growth & promotes proper feeding habits from the very start.

With patience and proper care, breeding Mbunas can be a rewarding experience, adding new life to your aquarium.

Common Health Issues

Mbunas are generally hardy, but some conditions are common:

• Malawi bloat: Caused by high-protein diets or poor water quality. Keep protein levels moderate and maintain regular water changes.
• Fin damage: Aggression can lead to torn fins. Ensure plenty of hiding spaces and monitor aggressive individuals.
• Parasites: Maintain hygiene, quarantine new fish, and use preventive treatments if necessary.

Intan’s premium feeds and balanced diet recommendations help reduce the risk of these common problems.

Tips for Keeping Mbunas

• Regular water monitoring: Keep pH between 7.8–8.6 and temperature around 24–28°C.
• Provide plenty of rocks and caves: This mimics natural habitats and reduces stress.
• Feed a specialised diet: Use Intan’s cichlid feeds for optimal health and colour.
• Observe social behaviour: Adjust tank mates and hiding spaces to maintain harmony.

Mbunas are vibrant, engaging fish that reward careful attention and care. With the right tank setup, a balanced diet, and an understanding of their social dynamics, these rock-dwelling cichlids will thrive and become the highlight of your aquarium.

At Intan, we are here to provide you with premium fish feed. Our feed is tailored to meet the specific needs of each species. Every feed can spark positive change and create a future promoting quality, resilience, and well-being. We aim to serve the needs of hobbyists and breeders for the best quality of each species’ unique requirements. To know more about us, check out our Instagram page or contact us. 

We are not just a brand; we are stewards of the underwater world. We believe in the well-being of our friends and their mental health. Understanding and addressing the stressors that affect fish is not just a concept for us, it's a commitment. Through our dedication to research and innovative products, we aim to ensure that fish everywhere can lead happier, healthier lives.