Zebroides Mbuna care guide
Zebroides Mbuna (Cynotilapia zebroides) — minimum tank 250 L, temperature 24-27 °C, pH 7.8-8.6.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Cynotilapia zebroides (formerly often labelled "Cynotilapia afra cobwe") is a Malawi mbuna with a blue body crossed by sharp dark vertical bars. The species is variable across the lake, with several local colour morphs recognised. Adults reach about 10 cm.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Cynotilapia
- Scientific name: Cynotilapia zebroides
- Common synonyms: Cobue Afra, White Top Hara
Habitat
Endemic to the rocky shore (mbuna zone) of Lake Malawi in the African Rift Valley, where it lives over wave-washed boulder slopes. The lake is exceptionally hard and alkaline — pH 7.8-8.6, KH 6-15 — and warm year round. The species is highly site-attached and territorial males defend small rock caves.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L (66 US gal)
- Adult size: 8-10 cm
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 7.8-8.6
- GH: 10-20 °dGH
- Water flow: medium
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
Diet
In the wild it grazes the aufwuchs layer of algae, biofilm and associated micro-invertebrates that coats the rocks. In aquaria a vegetable-rich diet of spirulina and algae-based cichlid pellets, blanched vegetables and occasional frozen brine shrimp is appropriate; high-protein foods such as bloodworm should be avoided to prevent "Malawi bloat".
Compatibility
Aggressive and territorial; best kept in a large mbuna community with several other rock-dwelling species so that aggression is dispersed. A typical stocking is one male to several females (1:3-4). Avoid mixing with very different lake faunas (e.g., New World cichlids) and with similar-coloured congeners that may hybridise.
Breeding
A polygamous maternal mouthbrooder. The male defends a small rock territory, displays to passing females and entices each to spawn on a flat surface; the female collects the eggs into her mouth immediately and incubates them for about three weeks before releasing free-swimming fry.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: see species page. The Lake Malawi cichlid radiation has been intensively assessed; most mbuna are evaluated and many are categorised Least Concern, though species with restricted ranges along single sub-shores are more vulnerable.
Cynotilapia zebroides Breeding Guide
Overview
Cynotilapia zebroides is a small rocky-shore plankton-feeder of Lake Malawi, known in the hobby as the Mini-zebra, which was split from the Cynotilapia afra complex and reaches about 8.6 cm total length. The genus name reflects its conical, dog-like teeth, which suit a fish that feeds on plankton and small organisms in open water just above the rocks, and like all members of the genus it is a polygamous maternal mouthbrooder.
Sexing
Males display the electric blue with vertical bars and, in some morphs, a yellow or white dorsal margin, while females are plainer. As with related Cynotilapia, the male carries the anal-fin egg spots involved in fertilisation, and a holding female is recognised by her distended throat.
Conditioning
Condition the group on a varied diet that reflects its plankton-feeding habit, in stable hard, alkaline water within the maintenance range. Spirulina or vegetarian flake, daphnia, cyclops and similar foods bring the females into spawning condition.
Breeding Setup
Provide a rocky tank with caves and territories, keeping the fish in a group, with one male to two females for a calmer pair or one male to four or five females for this more aggressive rock-dweller. Only one male of the species should occupy the tank.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
The male establishes a territory and displays to passing females; the pair circle each other and the eggs are laid, after which the female collects them in her mouth. Fertilisation follows the typical mbuna egg-spot mechanism on the male's anal fin.
Egg & Fry Care
All Cynotilapia carry their fry for about 20 to 30 days, and the brooding female does not eat and loses condition during this time. Released fry will take finely powdered flake food and newly hatched brine shrimp while also browsing algae in a matured tank.
Common Challenges
Because this species belongs to the variable afra complex, its many morphs should be kept separate; if hybrids occur they must not be passed on, as that would eventually ruin captive bloodlines. Holding females should be left undisturbed to prevent premature release of the brood.