The diet of L. trewavasae should be supplemented with foods having a high vegetable content. Otherwise a relatively peaceful mbuna that neither bothers other species nor eats smaller fish. Best kept by themselves in groups of four or more or in a community of other mbuna species of similar size. Males are polygynous. This species is best bred on a harem basis with 3 or 4 females for each male.
Courtship is very vigorous and colorful.
A dominant male will incessantly chase a ripe female. Upon overtaking her, he will vigorously vibrate his entire body before her. Spawning usually takes place on a flat, solid surface, often placed at an angle to the bottom of the tank. Occasionally, the male will dig a shallow spawning pit in the gravel. Spawning behavior as in other mbuna species.