The Mottled Mbuna (Labeotropheus fuelleborni) is a freshwater fish in the Cichlidae family of cichlids.

The Mottled Mbuna is yellowish-blue with mottled brown-black markings. Its tail has a yellow margin, and its bottom fin has yellow spots. It has black eyes. 

It grows to about 30 centimetres (12 inches) long. 

It is native to Lake Malawi, a lake that borders the countries of Malawi and Zambia in Africa. It likes rocky areas where it can hide. It mostly stays close to the river bed, but sometimes swims near the surface. 

It is herbivorous. It eats algae from underwater logs and tree roots. It uses its sharp teeth to remove algae from the wood. 

It is often found in groups of 3-10 individuals, called schools. 

The female lays about 50 eggs. The eggs hatch into young, called fry. After 21 days, they become independent and have to look after themselves. 

The lifespan of the Mottled Mbuna is 8-10 years.

Location of photograph: Aquarium de Paris-Cinéaqua, France

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM