I kept three young Labidochromis sp. "hongi". This is a fish that certainly does not show off its full color palette until it is fully grown. My specimens were far from fully grown and were somewhat plain in appearance during their youth. In the provided images, you can see a Hongi just starting to develop its adult coloration; it is said to become truly beautiful, but the process takes time.
Behavior and Interaction
In my setup, I believe I had two males and one female. The two males were frequently testing each other's strength, displaying typical Mbuna territorial behavior. While I watched for breeding preparations or early signs of spawning, I didn't have much luck during the time I kept them. I eventually sold the group in December 2002 when I reduced my collection of Malawi cichlids.
Breeding and Care
Like most Mbuna cichlids, the Hongi is a maternal mouthbrooder. Breeding is generally considered easy once you have a mature, compatible pair. They thrive in a rock-dwelling setup with plenty of caves and crevices to allow males to establish territories. Being a member of the Labidochromis genus, they are often slightly less aggressive than other Mbunas, but adequate space and hiding spots remain essential for their well-being.
