Melanochromis loriae is a species of cichlid in the Cichlidae endemic to Lake Malawi.

This species can reach a length of 12.5 centimetres (4.9 in) TL.

[3] Once believed to only occur around Chipoka Island, a revision in 2012 synonymized M. loriae with the parallel striped mbuna, M. parallelus, which has populations around Likoma Island, Chisumulu Island, and the northwestern coast.

[2][3] Collection of specimens for the aquarium trade is a threat to its wild populations.

[1] The specific name honours the daughter of the fish dealer John Lomardo, Lori.