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Pseudotropheus saulosi (or Ps. saulosi) are members of a family of fish called cichlids that are very popular among aquarists Cichlids are a large family of fish that are found all over the world. African cichlids are different from those found in S. America, S. E. Asia and elsewhere. This is attributed to the drift of the continents and to the formation of geography that trapped the African cichlids in vast inland lakes where they lived in genetic isolation. They are colorful fish and exhibit interesting behaviors. They are also bold and very active...basically, if you stick your arm in the tank, they are not afraid of it.

African cichlids like mine are popular in the hobby and at least a few species are available in any decent aquarium store. The Ps. Saulosi was discovered less than 20 years ago and has been in the hobby since the early 90’s. Due to its characteristically mild temperament, small size, and sexually dimorphic coloration (and color changes) the Ps. saulosi has proven to be one of the most popular African cichlids currently kept.

The fish all start out a yellow-orange color. As they mature, certain dominant fish become bright blue and black while other subdominant fish get only a bit of additional color or none at all. Typically, the fish that become the darkest blue/black are the dominant males. Females remain yellow-orange and in fact seem to attain a richer hue with time; they may also get some black coloration on their dorsal fins. Subdominant males may also remain yellow-orange and show little or no color change. Other subdominant males may develop a faint shade of blue.

Many African cichlids and all mbuna can also change color for short periods of time. This color change is similar to a chameleon and is related to behavior. The change isn’t as dramatic as the gradual changes described above but is more like a dimming of existing features or tones. For example, the two dominant males in my tank have deep blue/black coloration; these fish have claimed separate territories on opposite sides of the tank. When one fish leaves his territory and enters the other’s, he typically loses his black stripes, his blue stripes dim, and he becomes an overall light blue color. Sometimes you can even see a trace of the original yellow-orange shimmering “beneath” the blue. Within seconds of returning to home base, the fish regains his black stripes and becomes much brighter in color overall.