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Melanochromis mpoto (formerly known as Melanochromis rubustus and as Melanochromis "blue") is mainly living on depths of more than ± 15 meters in the intermediate zones from rocks to sand; northern of Chitande they are living in more shallow water of ± 7 meters. They can be found along the west coast of the lake between Mdoka and Nkhata Bay and along the east coast between Ikombe and Hongi Island however they were also spotted sometimes near Likoma Island. These examples were captured in the neighbourhood of Mphanga Rocks. In the lake the males of these species can grow to 17 cm, in the aquarium however they can grow a little taller because of a good feeding. The males then can grow to about 19 cm, females grow to about 14 cm. Melanochromis mpoto can behave intolerant against equal male species, against other inhabitants they are in general tolerant. You can best keep this species with multiple females and other big mbuna in an aquarium with a lot of hiding places. Melanochromis mpoto is a predatory species. In the lake they are mainly feeding themselves with young, small mbuna however this species also likes eating crabs. In the aquarium they are comfortable with any food. They take everything they get offered, like spirulina pellets, mysis, artemia, cyclops and shrimp-peas mix. 
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