Zebra mbuna - Maylandia zebra

Scientific name: Maylandia zebra

Common name: Zebra mbuna

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 13 - 15 cm (5.12 - 5.91 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 7.3 - 8.9

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 12 - 25°N (214.29 - 446.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 28 °C (71.6 - 82.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive/territorial

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food

In the wild Zebra Mbunas eat algae off the rocks and plankton out of the open waters. When in captivity, they will accept a variety of foods such as flakes, pellets, frozen, dried and live foods.

Sexing

The male Zebra Mbuna has dummy egg spots located on his anal fin. As he matures he will develop a vestigial hump on his head.

Breeding

These mbunas exhibit typical mouthbrooding behavior. The female will hold on to the young for 20-25 days until releasing her newly independent fry.

Origin

The Zebra Mbuna comes from the rocky northwestern shores of Lake Malawi

Short Description

There is much debate over the taxonomy of this cichlid species. The different name possibilities include: Pseudotropheus zebra, Maylandia zebra, and Metriaclima zebra.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.