Endemic to Lake Malawi. It occurs around the north of the lake, between Ikombe and the Ruhuhu River in the east, and from Kande Island to Ngara in the west. It now also occurs around the islands of Namalenje, Thumbi and Likoma, having been introduced in these areas.
Aggressive and territorial. It should not be kept with peace loving species such as Peacocks or Utaka but it can be combined with other Mbuna. The tank should be overcrowded to reduce aggression and territory formation. It is very aggressive towards others of the same species and the presence of heterospecifics helps to dissipate this. Several females should be kept per male in order to reduce harassment by the male.