Acei Yellow Tail Cichlid – Pseudotropheus sp. “acei” “Msuli Point” 5cm

The Acei Yellow Tail Cichlid – Pseudotropheus sp. “acei” “Msuli Point” is a striking Lake Malawi mbuna recognised for its blue to violet-blue body and contrasting yellow tail and fins.

Compared with many other mbuna, Acei are relatively social and are often seen swimming together in loose groups. Their active behaviour, distinctive colour and generally more manageable temperament make them a popular choice for appropriately stocked African cichlid aquariums.

Fish supplied are approximately 5cm unless otherwise stated. Colour and markings can vary between individual fish, particularly while juvenile.

Fish Profile

• Common Name: Acei Yellow Tail Cichlid, Yellow Tail Acei
• Scientific Name: Pseudotropheus sp. “acei” “Msuli Point”
• Sale Size: Approximately 5cm
• Adult Size: Approximately 13cm
• Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa
• Locality: Msuli Point
• Fish Type: African Cichlid / Mbuna
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive; relatively tolerant by mbuna standards
• Temperature: Approximately 24–28°C
• pH: Approximately 7.7–8.6
• Water: Hard and alkaline
• Diet: Omnivorous with a strong algae and plant-based component
• Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder

About the Yellow Tail Acei

Acei are one of the more distinctive mbuna found in Lake Malawi. The Msuli Point form is particularly attractive, displaying a blue to violet body contrasted by yellow fins and tail.

Unlike many mbuna that remain closely associated with rocky territories, Acei are also found swimming in more open areas and around submerged wood and other natural debris.

They can form sizeable groups in their natural habitat and generally display more group-oriented behaviour than many strongly territorial mbuna species.

Aquarium Setup

A Yellow Tail Acei aquarium should provide a combination of rockwork, hiding places and generous open swimming space.

Rocks can be arranged to create caves and visual barriers while still leaving plenty of room for these active fish to swim.

A sand-based substrate works particularly well in a Lake Malawi aquarium and helps create a natural-looking African cichlid setup.

Strong biological filtration, good oxygenation and regular water changes are important because African cichlid aquariums are often relatively heavily stocked.

Water Conditions

Acei originate from the hard, alkaline waters of Lake Malawi and should be maintained under similar stable conditions.

• Temperature: 24–28°C
• pH: Approximately 7.7–8.6
• Water Hardness: Hard to very hard

Stable water conditions are particularly important. Avoid sudden changes in temperature, pH or hardness.

Feeding Acei Cichlids

Acei have an unusual feeding strategy for mbuna and naturally consume algae, diatoms and organic material associated with submerged wood and other surfaces while also feeding in the water column.

In the aquarium, provide a varied diet based around quality African cichlid foods.

Suitable foods include:

• Quality African cichlid pellets
• Spirulina-based foods
• Vegetable-rich flakes and pellets
• Appropriate supplementary foods

Avoid excessive feeding. Offering smaller portions that are readily consumed helps maintain good water quality.

Temperament and Tank Mates

Yellow Tail Acei are generally considered less aggressive than many other mbuna, but they are still territorial African cichlids and should not be treated as peaceful community fish.

They are best housed with appropriately sized Lake Malawi cichlids that prefer similar hard, alkaline water conditions.

Acei are also well suited to being maintained in a group. Providing sufficient aquarium space and plenty of visual barriers helps distribute territorial behaviour between individuals.

Different geographic Acei populations should ideally be kept separately if maintaining locality-specific breeding lines is important.

Breeding

Acei are maternal mouthbrooders.

After spawning, the female collects the fertilised eggs into her mouth and carries the developing young until the fry are sufficiently developed to be released.

Good water quality, suitable stocking and areas where females can avoid persistent attention from other fish can help improve breeding success.

Why Choose Yellow Tail Acei?

The Yellow Tail Acei combines striking Lake Malawi colour with active swimming behaviour and a temperament that is generally easier to manage than many highly aggressive mbuna.

The contrast between the blue body and yellow tail makes the Msuli Point Acei particularly attractive when kept as a group in a well-designed African cichlid aquarium.

Explore more African Cichlids available from Aquaholics.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Yellow Tail Acei Cichlids grow?

Yellow Tail Acei grow to approximately 13cm, although individual adult size can vary.

Are Acei Cichlids aggressive?

Acei are generally less aggressive than many other mbuna, but they are still territorial African cichlids. Appropriate tank mates, aquarium size and rockwork are important.

Can Yellow Tail Acei be kept in groups?

Yes. Acei are naturally group-oriented and are commonly maintained in groups in suitably sized African cichlid aquariums.

What temperature do Acei Cichlids need?

A temperature of approximately 24–28°C is suitable for Yellow Tail Acei.

What pH do Acei Cichlids prefer?

Acei prefer hard, alkaline Lake Malawi conditions, with approximately pH 7.7–8.6 being suitable.

What do Yellow Tail Acei eat?

Acei naturally consume algae, diatoms and organic material associated with submerged surfaces and also feed in the water column. In captivity, provide quality African cichlid foods with a good vegetable and algae-based component.

Are Yellow Tail Acei mouthbrooders?

Yes. Acei are maternal mouthbrooders, with the female carrying the eggs and developing fry in her mouth.