Cobalt Blue Zebra Care Guide
Maylandia callainos is an intensely blue mbuna cichlid from Lake Malawi, where both sexes show the same cobalt coloration.
Overview
The cobalt blue zebra (Maylandia callainos) is an mbuna cichlid from Lake Malawi, described as Pseudotropheus callainos by Stauffer & Hert in 1992. Both males and females display an intense cobalt-blue coloration. It is a typical rock-dwelling mbuna.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Maylandia
- Scientific name: Maylandia callainos
- Synonyms: Pseudotropheus callainos; Metriaclima callainos (Stauffer & Hert, 1992)
Habitat
The species was originally endemic to Nkhata Bay in Lake Malawi and has since been introduced to other locations including Likoma, Namalenje and Thumbi West islands. FishBase reports it occurring at depths of about 3-4 metres over rocky habitat.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (record); FishBase reports 24-26 °C
- pH: 7.5-8.5 (FishBase: 7.5-8.3)
- GH: 10-20 °dGH
- Maximum size: about 8 cm SL (FishBase)
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
Diet
Maylandia callainos is primarily herbivorous, with a FishBase trophic level of about 2.3. Like other mbuna it grazes on the aufwuchs (algae and associated microfauna) covering rocks, so a vegetable-based diet suits it best.
Compatibility
It is a territorial, aggressive mbuna best kept with other robust mbuna rather than milder peacocks or small fish. The record lists Synodontis and bristlenose plecos as suitable tankmates. Plenty of rockwork helps spread aggression.
Breeding
It is a maternal mouthbrooder; the female incubates eggs and fry in her mouth.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern.