The Doctor’s Cichlid (Pseudotropheus “daktari”) is a tropical freshwater fish. It is also known as the Blue Daktari or Scissor Tail Cichlid. Daktari is Swahili for doctor.

The male Doctor’s Cichlid is bright yellow with a little bit of blue or purple sheen, whereas the femal is pinkish-tan. The male and female have a black trim on the top and bottom edge of their tail fin. Its body is slightly elongated.

Doctor’s Cichlid

It measures about 8-10 centimetres (3-4 inches) long. Males are larger than females.

The Doctor’s Cichlid is from Lake Malawi in Africa. It prefers rocky areas. It is territorial.

It is herbivorous, eating aquatic plants.

The female Doctor’s Cichlid has 18-40 young, called fry. The young fry grows fast, eating mainly brine shrimp.

Doctor’s Cichlid

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM