Zebra Mbuna (Maylandia zebra) Care Guide
Maylandia zebra is the original 'zebra' mbuna of Lake Malawi, an algae-grazing cichlid reaching about 11 cm with many colour morphs.
Overview
Maylandia zebra is a rock-dwelling mbuna cichlid of Lake Malawi, described by Boulenger in 1899. It is the original 'zebra' of the lake, with the wild type showing blue-and-black vertical bars and numerous local colour morphs. It is also known under the synonyms Pseudotropheus zebra and Metriaclima zebra.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Maylandia
- Scientific name: Maylandia zebra
- Synonyms: Pseudotropheus zebra, Metriaclima zebra
Habitat
The species is endemic to Lake Malawi, including Likoma and Chizumulu Islands. It inhabits rocky areas at depths of about 6-28 m. Males show regional colour variation, while females occur in two morphs (pale brownish-grey and dark with blue highlights).
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 300 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 7.8-8.6
- GH: 10-20 °dGH
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
- Substrate: sand with extensive rockwork
Diet
The species primarily consumes aufwuchs, the algae-based community of organisms adhering to rock surfaces, supplemented with zooplankton and small invertebrates. It feeds by pressing its mouth against rocks and repeatedly opening and closing it to comb loose material. A vegetable-based diet is appropriate.
Compatibility
It is an aggressive, territorial mbuna. It should be kept with other mbuna of similar aggression and with rift-lake catfishes such as Synodontis multipunctatus. Peaceful and soft-water species such as discus, angelfish, tetras, Apistogramma and rams are unsuitable.
Breeding
It is a maternal mouthbrooder; the female broods the eggs for roughly 18-24 days. FishBase reports up to about 60 eggs per spawn. Research indicates that males' mate preferences are influenced by their mother's coloration.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2018).