Zebra Cichlid

Pseudotropheus zebra

In this usage, the zebra cichlid (Pseudotropheus zebra) is a rock-dwelling mbuna from Lake Malawi, not the Central American convict cichlid that is sometimes sold under a similar name. It is also seen in aquarist literature as Metriaclima zebra or Maylandia zebra, reflecting a long-running naming debate. Wild populations live among wave-washed rocks, where they rasp algae and tiny animals from surfaces. Color varies by locality and sex; barred blue males, blue or brown females, and orange-blotch forms all occur within the broader zebra mbuna complex.

Aquarium care is built around hard, alkaline water, high oxygen, sand, and piles of rock that create many territories. Zebra cichlids are assertive fish, so they do poorly in peaceful community tanks and can hybridize with similar mbuna if mixed carelessly. A vegetable-leaning diet with spirulina and algae-based foods is safer than rich meaty feeding, which can contribute to digestive trouble in Malawi herbivores. Breeders rely on the female's maternal mouthbrooding, either letting her release fry naturally or moving her to a separate tank; preserving locality strains requires accurate labels and restraint when mixing color forms.