Zebra Mbuna (Maylandia zebra)

Fish in the family Cichlidae. Easy care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameMaylandia zebra

FamilyCichlidae

Also known asMalawi Blue Zebra, Cobalt Zebra (BB), Metriaclima zebra, Pseudotropheus zebra

Care levelEasy

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentAggressive

DietHerbivore

Adult size4.5 in

Minimum tank size55 gallons

Water parametersTemp 76-82°F, pH 7.8-8.6, GH 10-20 dGH

Appearance

Classic blue-and-black barred 'BB' morph as well as orange-blotch (OB) and red-blotch (RB) variants. Males show egg spots on the anal fin.

Difficulty and care for the Zebra Mbuna

Easy

Origin and habitat

Lake Malawi, Africa

Keeper notes

The archetypal zebra mbuna with many regional color morphs (BB, OB, RB). Territorial males need a harem of females; mixing zebra morphs risks hybridization.

Log Zebra Mbuna in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Zebra Mbuna alongside everything else in your reef.

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