Blue Zebra Cichlids
Zebra cichlid common names.
Blue zebra cichlids. The zebra cichlid originated in deep rocky waters of lake malawi in africa. It is also known as the red mbuna the cherry zebra the pearl zebra the cobalt blue zebra the red or orange blotch zebra ob. Cobalt blue zebra mouth brooder.
The zebra cichlid also known as the malawi blue or malawi zebra cichlid and it originates from east africa in the lake malawi. These fish are members of a group known as the labroidei which is both extensive and diverse. This is a popular group of very active and aggressive personalities made up of 12 genera and many species the mbuna group are attractive rock dwelling cichlids.
The cichlids of malawi are fish from the family cichlidae in the order perciformes. They occur in tropical waters and apart from a series of anatomical features are characterized by the fact that all cichlids give paternal care to their offspring through various methods. The word mbuna means rock fish which refers to its habitat.
This species can reach a length of 8 centimetres 3 1 in sl. The african word mbuna means rockfish. The best known of the mbuna group are the zebra cichlids.
Cobalt blue zebra cichlid are very territorial and once they have established themselves within a particular area they will defend their turf very aggressively. The rear parts of the dorsal fin and anal fins are elongated and pointed on the zebra cichlid. Cobalt blue zebras will eat flake foods spirulina flakes and cichlid pellets.
Cobalt blue zebra cichlid were formerly classified as pseudotropheus callainos or metriaclima callainos and is still often referenced by these names by many sources. They should not be fed live worms or live brine shrimp as these can bloat and kill the fish. Maylandia callainos sometimes referred to as cobalt zebra cobalt blue mbuna or cobalt blue zebra cichlid is a species of cichlid endemic to lake malawi where they only occurred naturally in nkhata bay though it has now been introduced to other locations.
At least 1 650 species have been identified and classified to date with many more still either unknown or undiscovered. The male cobalt blue zebra will establish a territory and its colors will become enhanced when it is ready to breed. This thick cichlid has a swelled forehead and with a tall tail fin.
A male cobalt blue zebra should be kept with several females. They became famous through aquarium enthusiasts and there is hardly a public aquarium without a display of cichlids.