Care
Labeotropheus trewavasae, a member of the Mbuna group of cichlids, possess a distinct mouth shape with "folded over" upper lip. Chisel-like teeth can be found underneath and it is these specialized mouth parts that allow the fish to graze efficiently on the algae that covers the rocky habitat, for the Aufwuchs it contains. As the fish work the biocover, "scrape marks" are often visible. The colouration/markings of this species will vary upon location in the lake - numerous strains are known and are usually named after the island near which they are found. The aquarium should be at least 4ft long and aquascaped to emulate a rocky reef effect. Lighting should be bright to encourage algal growth. Décor such as ocean rock can be used to build sturdy structures which stretch from the base of the tank to near the surface of the water. These structures should be built with the purpose of creating many crevices for the fish to explore but constructed in such a way so as to keep the rocks stable if the fish start to undermine them with their digging habits. Never use sharp decor e.g. lava rock, as this will damage the fish's mouth parts when grazing. Although a substrate of coral sand or Aragonite is often recommended to help to keep the water hard and alkaline, Mbuna often feel safer and show better colours over a darker substrate. The Aragonite or coral sand can always be placed into a mesh bag and kept inside the external filter for buffering purposes. Males can be very territorial and so it is wise to keep just one male per tank along with several females. Keeping just one female with the male will result in continual harassment which in turn could lead to the death of the female. This species can be kept successfully alongside other outgoing Mbuna that enjoy the same temperature range. May also be seen on sale as Scrapermouth Mbuna.
Feeding
The diet should be primarily vegetarian. Foods rich in animal protein could cause Malawi Bloat, which can be fatal. A good quality Spirulina-based green flake should be mixed with a standard quality flake food, and offered along with appropriately sized granular foods specifically developed for Mbuna. An occasional treat of Mysis shrimp can be given, but this should only be offered very occasionally. Vegetable matter such as cucumber, blanched spinach, broccoli, and romaine lettuce can be fed regularly. Will graze on algae.
Breeding
The preferred spawning site is usually a flat rock near a cave structure, which the male cleans prior to his attempts at attracting a willing female into his domain. The pair will circle each other in a head-to-tail manner several times, until the female deposits her eggs. These are deposited just a few at a time and after doing so, she immediately turns around and picks them up. At the same time, the male will rotate so that he is almost on his side, at the same time shaking and extending his anal fin, releasing his milt. The female sees the egg spots on the male's anal fin and attempts to pick up those "eggs" whilst she is picking up the real ones that she deposited and at the same time taking in milt. After spawning is over, the male shows no further interest in the female, who incubates the eggs for 25-30 days until they hatch. The resultant fry is held for a further few days afterward. Typical brood size for a good-sized female could number up to 40.
