Red Zebra Mbuna "Cobalt Blue" (Pseudotropheus zebra)
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Red Zebra Mbuna "Cobalt Blue"
Juvenile Zebra Mbuna "Cobalt Blue"
Pseudotropheus zebra
76 Litres (20 US G.)
10-11 cm (3.9-4.3")
Freshwater
7.5 - 8.5
22 -30 °C (71.6-86°F)
9-19 °d
1:2 M:F
5-8 years
Family
Cichlidae
Contents
Additional names
- Zebra Mbuna, Red Zebra, Cobalt Blue Zebra
Additional scientific names
- Maylandia zebra, Metriaclima zebra
Origin[edit]
- They primarily dwell in depths between 1 and 25 meters near the northwest coast of Lake Malawi, from Kande Island to Ngara and have also been found inhabiting the waters surrounding the northeast coast between Ikombe and the Ruhuhu River. They have additionally been intoduced to the areas around the islands of Namalenje, Thumbi and Likoma.
Sexing[edit]
- Males have a pointed dorsal and caudal fin while females have a rounded dorsal and caudal fin.
Tank compatibility[edit]
- Must be kept in semi-aggressive Mbuna Cichlid set ups only. It is best to overcrowd the tank to reduce aggression and the formation of territories. Males Zebras will be highly aggressive towards their own species therefore keep one male Zebra to a tank with several females in order to prevent the latter from being harassed.
Diet[edit]
- Best fed high quality Cichlid pellets meant for herbivorous African cichlids as well as brine shrimp, mosquito larvae and algae wafers. It will also benefit greatly from being fed primarily vegetable based foods such such as spirulina flakes or blanched spinach.
Feeding regime[edit]
- Feed twice a day.
Environment specifics[edit]
- Prefers a spacious well filtered tank with rocky décor. Rocks arranged to form small caves will suit this species but it also requires small areas of open water to swim in. A sandy substrate is recommended.
Behaviour[edit]
- A typical semi-aggressive Mbuna Cichlid.
Identification[edit]
- Several colour morphs occur depending on where the fish has been located from within the lake. Some are pale yellow to bright red, some are blue and not all have the vertical bars giving it it's "zebra" name. Albino variations are available also.
Pictures[edit]
"Maisoni Reef"
Albino
External links[edit]
- Fishbase (Mirrors:
)
