Addition of table or marine salts to aquarium water does not duplicate Malawian water chemistry, but does no harm to the fish either. In captivity, eagerly takes most commercially available live and prepared foods. 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.