Aulonocara stuartgranti "Maulana (Bi Color 500)

The Maulana is a spectacular species from lake Malawi that was named by diver Stuart Grant's team. Commonly named the Bi-Color 500 which originally represented the position on Grants export list. 

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 23–29 °C (73–84 °F) — avoid exceeding 32 °C (90 °F) 

• pH: 7.4–8.5 (some sources 7.0–8.5) 

• Water hardness (GH): 12–18°N (214–321 ppm) 

• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

• Nitrate: Keep under 50–100 ppm; perform 10–50% water changes weekly

  Tank Setup

  • Size: Minimum 100 gallons for a small group; larger is better 

  • Substrate: Sand to mimic Lake Malawi 

  • Hiding places: Rocks, caves, and crevices to reduce stress 

  • Flow: Moderate water movement 

  • Lighting: Moderate; avoid harsh, direct lighting

  • Diet

    • Omnivore — Consumes both plant‑based and animal‑based foods 

    • Feed a varied diet (high‑quality cichlid pellets, frozen/vegetable foods)

    • Some keepers add garlic‑soaked food to encourage appetite

    • Breeding

      • Mouth‑brooding with maternal care 

      • Provide a nesting area with flat rocks or crevices for spawning