[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Cichlids – Zebra Cichlid (Metriaclima zebra)

This is one of the “keystone” species of the African Rift Lake cichlid hobby. Numerous morphs occur in the wild, and male coloration is very different to that of the female. Some of the types are incapable of interbreeding, and this has given rise to the belief that they may constitute separate species, rather than morphs. As a result, the collection of all these intimately related species/morphs is referred to as the “zebra complex.” The new name, Metriaclima, was erected in 1997 and now includes several new species that would formerly have been regarded as Pseudotropheus.

Other common name

• Nyasa Blue Cichlid

Synonym

• Pseudotropheus zebra

Distribution

• Widely distributed in Lake Malawi.

Size

• Up to 6in (15cm) reported, but usually smaller.

Behavior

• Territorial and aggressive, particularly toward its own kind Diet: Wide range of foods accepted.

Aquarium

• Properly constructed backgrounds with plenty of boltholes. Must be well lit and well filtered. Medium-hard to hard, alkaline, water important. Temperature range: 72-82 F (22-28 C).

Breeding

• Typical maternal mouthbrooder