The parallel striped mbuna (Melanochromis parallelus) is a species of cichlid fish that lives in Lake Malawi around Likoma Island, Chisumulu Island, and along the northwestern coast. It can reach a length of 11.4 centimetres (4.5 in) SL. It can also be found in the aquarium trade. Collection for this purpose is a threat to its wild populations. In a revision published in 2012, Melanochromis parallelus was however synonymized with Melanochromis loriae, a name which earlier referred to a local population found at the Chipoka Island only.