Metriaclima melissa

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Metriaclima melissa, also known as Elongatus Chewere, is a small mbuna cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi. It is recognized by its elongated body, bluish coloration and dark vertical bars, features typical of several members of the elongatus group. In aquaria, it requires alkaline, mineral-rich and well-oxygenated water, together with a rocky layout offering many crevices. Its territorial behaviour is pronounced, especially in males, so stocking must be planned carefully. With a rarity rating of 2 out of 3, it is less common than several popular mbunas but remains appealing to aquarists looking for a distinct, geographically identified form.

General species description

Metriaclima melissa is an African cichlid belonging to the mbuna group, fish that live mainly among the rocks of Lake Malawi. Its relatively slender body explains the trade name Elongatus Chewere. Like several Metriaclima, it grazes rocky surfaces to collect biofilm and algae while defending a small area from its own kind. Adult males generally develop stronger coloration than females, particularly when holding a territory or displaying. The species is best suited to an aquarium devoted to Malawi cichlids, with a stable rocky layout and broken lines of sight. It is not recommended for a conventional tropical community aquarium. Its temperament is territorial and vigorous, but it can be kept with other similarly sized mbunas when stocking, décor and sex ratios are carefully planned. A rarity level of 2, or relatively uncommon, makes it especially important to choose properly identified fish and avoid crossing it with closely related forms.

Geographic origin and biotope

Metriaclima melissa comes from Lake Malawi, in the Chewere Reef area associated with the Tanzanian shore of the lake. The biotope consists of rocky coastal formations where fish move among blocks, crevices and surfaces covered with algae. The water is clear, warm, alkaline and mineral-rich. Aquatic vegetation is generally limited in rocky zones, while the shoreline may support sparse or grassy terrestrial vegetation depending on exposure. This habitat provides strong oxygenation and continuous water movement around the rocks. In an aquarium, the setup should therefore be dominated by rock rather than dense planting. Efficient filtration, regular water changes and stable chemistry are essential. The substrate may be fine sand, allowing the fish to forage without damaging its mouth. The most useful geographic reference for this form is Chewere Reef, in the Tanzanian part of Lake Malawi.

Precise location and local name

The local or population name used in the aquarium trade is Chewere, usually presented as Elongatus Chewere. This name refers to Chewere Reef, the geographic site associated with the population. In the trade, however, the term Elongatus may be applied broadly to slender-bodied mbunas, making locality-based identification especially important. To preserve the value of the strain, Chewere fish should preferably be kept separately from other closely related geographic forms, and offspring should not be mixed without a provenance record. This population inhabits shallow rocky areas of the lake, where it grazes algae-covered surfaces and finds shelter in gaps between rocks. The common name should not be confused with another elongatus locality. In practice, aquarists should remember three points: the Chewere name, its lake origin in Malawi and its need for a well-structured rocky habitat. These precautions help maintain clear identification and reduce hybridization in captivity.

Appearance and physical characteristics

Metriaclima melissa has an elongated, laterally compressed body, a relatively short head and fins suited to movement among rocks. Males may show metallic blue to bluish-grey tones contrasted by several dark vertical bars. Colour intensity changes with mood, social rank and breeding condition. Females and juveniles are often duller, with less contrast. The dorsal fin is continuous and may display blue reflections or darker edging; the pectoral fins help the fish hold position close to rocky surfaces. As in many mbunas, the mouth is adapted for grazing the biological film on stones. Adult size remains modest, reaching about 10 cm at maximum in commonly used aquarium references. Dominant males show the strongest colour, while subordinate fish may temporarily become pale. This variation should not be interpreted as evidence of a different population without considering lighting, hierarchy, water quality and general condition.

General diet

In the wild, Metriaclima melissa mainly grazes on the biofilm covering rocks: algae, diatoms and associated small organisms. Its diet should therefore contain a high proportion of plant matter, including spirulina, algae and fibre. Flake or pellet foods designed for mbunas can be offered in small repeated portions rather than as one large meal. Blanched vegetables such as zucchini or spinach may supplement the diet if accepted, but they should be removed promptly to protect water quality. Rich animal-protein diets should be avoided, especially foods intended for predators or carnivorous cichlids. Overfeeding can promote obesity and digestive problems. The best approach is a moderate, varied and mainly vegetarian diet made from quality foods. The goal is to reproduce natural grazing behaviour while keeping the aquarium clean. A diet rich in fibre and spirulina matches the needs of a mbuna and helps reduce problems associated with excessive protein.

Essential data

• River of origin: Lake Malawi; a lake-dwelling species
• Local name used: Chewere
• Origin of the scientific name: Metriaclima is a genus name of Greek origin; melissa means bee in Ancient Greek.
• Etymology of the full name: Metriaclima combines the Greek roots metrios, associated with measure, and klima, slope or inclination; melissa means bee.
• Common/vernacular names: Elongatus Chewere
• Family: Cichlidae
• Subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae
• Name pronunciation: meh-tree-ah-KLEE-mah - meh-LISS-ah
• Discovery: Jeffrey R. Stauffer Jr., Jay R. Bowers, Kenneth R. Kellogg and Robert L. McKaye, 1997
• Maximum adult size: About 10 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 24–28 °C; pH 7.6–8.6
• Appearance of the watercourse and surrounding vegetation: Clear, alkaline and rocky lake habitat; limited aquatic vegetation in the rocky biotope
• Typical tankmates: Metriaclima estherae, Cynotilapia afra, Labidochromis caeruleus, Pseudotropheus socolofi, Melanochromis auratus, Iodotropheus sprengerae
• Temperament and behaviour: Territorial, active and hierarchical; males defend rocky areas
• Water depth: Shallow rocky shoreline zone
• Sexual dimorphism: Males are generally more colourful and territorial; females are often duller
• Bottom structure and flow: Sand between rocks, rocky relief and moderate to strong water movement

In your aquarium

Success with Metriaclima melissa depends on a spacious aquarium, stable alkaline water and a rocky layout securely placed on the bottom. Provide shelters, visual barriers and a mainly plant-based diet. A suitable group reduces pressure on a single female, while choosing tankmates of similar size and temperament helps limit conflict. Watch for excessive bullying, maintain strong filtration and perform regular water changes. To preserve the Chewere population, avoid mixing it with closely related elongatus forms. Proper identification, careful management of hierarchy and clean water are the most important factors for keeping these territorial mbunas healthy and bringing out their blue coloration.