Also known simply as the Maingano, the Electric Blue Maingano is endemic to Lake Malawi, one of the Great Rift Lakes in Africa. These fish are usually found in rocky habitats along the northeastern shore of Likoma Island in the lake. Electric Blue Mainganos are named for their brilliant blue coloration which distinguishes them from their relatives Melanochromis johanni, or the Electric Blue Johanni. This species has a torpedo-shaped body, often dark blue in color with lighter blue stripes running horizontally along the body. Males of the species typically have darker bellies and fins while females have light bellies and shorter pelvic fins.