The Pearl of Likoma or Exasperatus (Pseudotropheus joanjohnsonae) is a species of fish in the family Cichlidae endemic to Lake Malawi where it is native to rocky areas around Likoma Island.
Males are blue, while females are a greenish blue with rows of yellowish spots and shiny gills. They feed on crustaceans, insects, and larvae. Feed a balanced diet with some protein rich and veggie foods.
Exasperatus or Pearl of Likoma are easy to care for as long as you can manage aggression by way of adding rockery to a generous sized aquarium of 300 litres plus.
Males are intolerant of other males and can harass females too. Make sure the tank is large if you want to keep a group of 5 or more. Also, make sure there are lots of rocks in the tank. This fish mixes well with other aggressive mbuna and larger Malawi Haps.
This fish was not very hard to spawn. The problem is keeping females alive to spawn because of aggression stated above. The fish breed like most mbuna, so nothing unusual.
The females holds for about 2 weeks and the fry are small. Rear the fry with baby brine shrimp and later flake food.
The fry are relatively fast growing and colourful, which is nice.
Common Name(s) : Pearl of Likoma or Exasperatus
Family : Cichlidae
Genus: Pseudotropheus
Species : Pseudotropheus joanjohnsonae
Origin : Lake Malawi – Likoma Island
PH : 7.8 – 8.6
Hardness : Hard
Temperature : 23 – 28°C / 73–82°F
Maximum Size : 10cm / 3.9″
Lifespan : 12 years
Aggression Level : High to own Species (7.5/10)
Recommended Tank Size : 300 Litres +
Strata : Bottom Half
