Neochromis omnicaeruleus is the formerly known Haplochromis sp. “blue scraper” from islands in Speke Gulf that include Makobe, Ruti, Gana, Miandere, and Mabibi. It grows to 12cm and is also known as Haplochromis sp. “tricolor fulu”. The cranial slope is pronounced and convex. The outer tooth rows contain a greater number of bicuspid teeth than other Neochromis species. The 3-8 inner rows are tricuspid in structure. The name is derived in Latin; omnis meaning “all” and caeruleus meaning “blue”. This refers to the common male color morph.
Males generally grow larger and are more colorful than females. There are several color forms, however in captivity; the variant most common is the blue-black male with an orange blotched female. Five or six vertical bars streak the flanks. There is a yellow morph as well as an OB male form that is most attractive.
Neochromis omnicaeruleus is a solitary species found at rocky inshore areas. It grazes upon algae encrusted rocks feeding on diatoms and occasionally insect larvae (Bouton, 1997)
Males defend territories against co specs. Females will also defend a small territory at the entrance of a crevice where her free swimming brood inhabits. Gestation is about 14 days. The female will continue to scoop her clutch into her mouth for another three weeks post release.
