Lake Tanganyika is the longest lake in the world, and is located between Congo and Tanzania, in the Great Rift Valley. The minimum tank size recommended for the Zebra Cichlid is 50 gallons (180 liters). The tank they are put in should have ample rocky spaces so that the fish are in an environment they are comfortable with. Synodontis Catfish – Care, Types, Feeding, Tank Mates & Details! All mbuna species have a similar way of breeding. They all require basic care which any aquarist needs to take into consideration. This is one of the largest lakes in Africa and was formed over a million years ago. Although they have not been confirmed in the wild, orange males are common in the aquarium. Bumblebee Cichlid – Care, Feeding, Tank Mates & Details You Need! A diet of algae, proteins, and vegetables is ideal when feeding the mbuna cichlid. The mouth is where the eggs are warmed up and hatched. Above: In the picture is a young premium quality Albino Red Top Zebra Mbuna Cichlid , which is swimming in one of our aquariums, when one of us snapped this picture . The Zebra Cichlid originated in deep rocky waters of Lake Malawi in Africa. Here, you can find out everything you need to know about keeping fish and aquarium maintenance. These antics bring life experience to any aquarium. The Metriaclima estherae or Red Zebra cichlid is a stunning fish that many owners of home aquariums adore. This thick cichlid has a swelled forehead and with a tall tail fin. Family: Cichlidae. Fish Care: Our Site: Saltwater: Malawi African Cichlids Cobalt Blue Zebra Lake Malawi Mbuna African Cichlid Cobalt Blue Zebra - Identification . One of the most popular Mbuna since its discovery in Lake Malawi. Aquarium Water Turns Green? There after the hobby slowly but surely grew. It helps the fish grow as a species too. How Much Do Mbuna Cichlids Cost? This group consists of 12 genera. Photo Credit : Photos copyright JJPhoto.dk. Welcome to CichlidTips. The diet of mbuna cichlids usually consists of Aufwuchs. Cobalt Blue Zebra. Usual size in fish tanks: 4 - 5 cm (1.57 - 1.97 inch) 0 14. The mbuna fish usually grows to a great level because there is a lot of food fed to it various times a day. They can be placed in the same tank, have similar water conditions, and be fed the same foods. Owners should leave one day every week for this purpose. Origin: This fish is an Mbuna, which is a large family of Cichlid fish that originally lived only in Lake Malawi in East Africa . Gender: See article above. Get directions. They should be kept in large groups with fish from the mbuna species because they require similar water conditions and can coexist. The name Mbuna means "rockfish" in the language of the Tonga people of Malawi. This problem usually results in the death of the fish. Before learning about the diet and behavior of red zebra cichlid, the tank keeper should understand that taking care of the species is a challenging thing to do. Clean and clear water is an absolute necessity for these fish. The mbuna cichlid resides in heavy numbers in Lake Malawi. Tilapiines. Males are usually more colorful. They lay eggs, which are then taken into the mouth by the female. Species – Pseudotropheus Zebra. The most popular of these are the Mbuna because of their bright colours . Malawi bloat is one of the biggest diseases that could affect the mbuna fish. All information, content, materials on this site, or obtained from a website to which the site is linked are provided to you “as is” without warranty of any kind either express or implied. The tank needs to have optimal living conditions. 15cm. It is a rock dwelling fish or mbuna from Lake Malawi. Diet: Primarily an herbivore but provide a variety of foods for optimal health. When he was young all he had were the typical betta and goldfish in one of those goldfish bowls. Click here to shop for popular Mbuna Fish. Female Kenyi Cichlid's are Blue with black stripes, these stripes tend to fade with age. I've kept Goldfish, Koi, Malawis and now tropical freshwater fish. Gourami Fish – Care, Tank Mates, Types, Habitat & Details! Search within the thousand breeds available on Gumtree: Goldfish, tropical fishes, acquarium fishes and many more. This growth on the rocks consists of short strands of algae, biofilms and the tiny critters living within it. Our aim is to help educate anyone who wants to keep fish. Electric Blue Hap – Care, Feeding, Tank Mates & Details! They usually reside in rocky places, and this is where the name comes from as mbuna translates to rockfish. They require quite hard water with a pH of 8.0 - 9.0 and will do good with a temperature between 72 - 82°F (22-28°C) The zebra cichlids adult size is 6 inches (15 cm) and they normally live for about 5 - 10 years in captivity. The zebra cichlid also known as the Malawi blue or Malawi zebra cichlid and it originates from East Africa in the Lake Malawi. The rocks not only provide the mbunas with natural protection and hiding places but also give them room for spawning. They are sometimes larger in the home aquarium with males reaching up to to almost 5 inches (12.5 cm). Their diet consists of insects and crustaceans. Soon after you feed the new food, they will quickly adapt. This fish, like most cichlids from Lake Malawi, is a mouthbrooder - females hold their fertilized eggs then fry in their mouths until they are released after about 21 days. Common Name: Malawi blue or Malawi zebra cichlid, Origin / Habitat: East Africa in the Lake Malawi. They are also algae grazers. Salt may also be used to raise the mineral content of the tank. Your email address will not be published. This species can reach a length of 11.3 cm (4.4 in). The entire body of the male Cobalt Blue Zebra is a consistent light blue color with no faint zebra banding. Zebra is a Mbuna Cichlid from Lake Malawi and comes in a number of differing colour morphs. Premium Quality Cichlids for Sale : Shown above, a young mature male Cichlid for sale in our online store.. They are high in chitin and can cause bloating. The rear parts of the dorsal fin and anal fins are elongated and pointed on the Zebra Cichlid. I one day hope to breed either Discus or Angelfish. The most commonly seen mouth-brooders are mbuna from Lake Malawi. © FishLore.com - providing tropical fish tank and aquarium information for freshwater fish and saltwater fish keepers.About FishLore | Mbuna cichlids are found in Lake Malawi in huge numbers. Another thing to keep in mind is they are diggers and are always piling up substrate/sand. Substrate-spawning Cichlids. Hence, hard tap water would be optimal for their care. Male Kennyi is Yellowish Brown in color & have egg spots on dorsal fin. We call these Rare Mbunas, because they are not usually in most live stores or this is a larger size that's not commonly available. Temperature Range – 23 - 28°C 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). Top quality tropical and coldwater fish; Continues wide range ; Aquariumplants; Frozen food; Guaranteed delivery and live arrival; Perfect service; Care for nature and environment; Worldwide distribution; Store locator. Required fields are marked *. If you ask about the feeding, there is nothing to worry about. The algae are found around the rocks. Mixed communities of these fish often produce hybrids, so if you want to breed mbuna (African cichlids), keep them in a species only aquarium with one male to three or four females. Electric Yellow Cichlid. Mbuna (pronounced mboo-na) is the common name for a large group of African cichlids from lake Malawi. The Electric Yellow Cichlid’s body has a bright, well, electric yellow colour. Common name: Zebra acara. Temperament / Behavior: Can become territorial with males of their own species and does better with similar species with compatible water requirements. They grow to be about five inches in length and are highly aggressive. Every aquarist had this: you look into the aquarium and there…. It results in a cleaner tank with fewer algae. New Zebra Mbuna Daktari More info; New Malawi Cichlid Perspicax More info; Why Ruinemans? Sabi is from South Africa and started fishkeeping with goldfish five years ago. See what our customers are saying. This is because it prefers rock dwellings as they provide considerable places to hide. Myself William and I love aquarium fishes! As the name implies, Mbuna are the cichilds that live among piles of rocks, as opposed to the Utaka. Using rocks is a good way of decorating the tank. He started with having 4 platys and 2 harlequin rasboras. It can be found in large numbers around small islands and near the beach. AquariumFish.net. The zebra cichlid is one of the most popular among mbuna cichlids. The most common mbuna cichlids are the red zebra cichlid, the blue zebra, the bumble or hornet cichlid, the golden cichlid, the electric yellow or yellow lab cichlid, and the blue johannii. They are some of the most popular rock dwelling Mbunas. This fish takes up residence on the rocky shores of the lake. Maylandia estherae (the Red Zebra mbuna, Red Zebra Cichlid, or Esther Grant's Zebra) is a haplochromine cichlid. Mbuna cichlids in the wild usually eat the same things, but when food is scarce, each species starts eating different foods which makes them compatible in the wild. These are usually found in the form of algae, which are consumed by these fish. This fish can sometimes be found in the aquarium trade. The Pseudo. Scientific name: Nannacara adoketa. The bright color of Red Zebra cichlids make them a great addition to any African cichlid tank. The Zebra Cichlids, also known as the Mbuna Cichlids, are endemic to Lake Malawi. In these species, the female cares for the eggs and males will spawn with any passing ripe female. Feed with care. The Cobalt Blue Zebra originated in deep rocky waters of Lake Malawi in Africa. They are not only beautiful to look at, but they also have a remarkable breeding process. The minimum tank size recommended for the Zebra Cichlid is 50 gallons (180 liters). Dwarf Gourami – Types, Care, Feeding & Other Details. A bully by nature, without plenty of room, pyramids, rocks and crevasses to establish territory, Red Zebra will torment other tank mates. I currently have two running tanks, a 67 gallon and a 2 gallon. The fish in the mbuna category are usually full of colors and vibrant. If an aquarist does not feed their fish for a day, the fish usually feed themselves through the algae formed on the decorative rocks of the tank. The majority of male mbunas are blue, while the females are usually yellow. A few hardy plants should take their nibbling although more often they will either uproot or destroy most plants. Another thing that should not be fed to these fish is bloodworms. The mbuna cichlids are classified as maternal mouthbrooders. These fish cannot survive in completely soft or acidic water. 5 Benefits of Fish Keeping At Home & Its Brings Wealth Too! They are relatively easy to care for, feeding mainly on herbivorous diets although they are omnivores. In nature, mbuna feed on aufwuchs (a German word, meaning surface growth). In this video I will share some simple tips for the newbie hobbyist looking to keep Mbuna Cichlids. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. Aufwuch is a German word that refers to growth on the surface. He didn't really go to a big tank until Feb. 2006, when he received a 36 gallon tank from his uncle and Tom and his dad created a beautiful stand to hold the aquarium. The female does not need to stay in one place to care for and protect her eggs because they are always in her mouth. They require quite hard water with a pH of 8.0 - 9.0 and will do good with a temperature between 72 - 82°F (22-28°C) The zebra cichlids adult size is 6 inches (15 cm) and they normally live for about 5 - 10 years in captivity. We’re happy to have you as part of our community. The mbuna cichlid consists of various species. The ends of the anal and dorsal fins have yellow egg spots and in this species there are many color varieties, blue being amongst the most common. In this instance, the Aufwuchsgrow in the rocks that these fish reside in. It's worth a try though, as some people have managed to keep plants. Lake Malawi has always been rich in minerals. We would class this fish as an easy care level. Ruinemans. These fish also feed on zooplankton, but that usually appears on the upper side of the water. I can not see anything. The mbuna cichlids can also be affected by most diseases that affect other freshwater fish. After overstocking his tank with platy fry, he got a 28 gallon hexagonal tank from one of his other uncles. Dried foods, plant matter, frozen foods and every so often meaty foods and live foods such as earth worms are good to feed. Seven or eight blue/black bars run across the body and generally in this color variety the bottom part of the face is black as well. If the rock decorations are not around, that could lead to further fights. The zebra mbuna (Maylandia zebra) is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in Africa. Male Kenyi Cichlid. The fish in the mbuna category are usually full of colors and vibrant. M. estherae is a very lively fish with great colors. This process of breeding is great for breeders. They are active and exhibit various behaviors that are different from other fish. Red Zebra Cichlid Care. Business hours. Male mbunas often want to be the alphas. It comprises two big valleys that never merged and were filled with water. It is also known as the Cobalt Blue Mbuna and the Cobalt Zebra. However, the salt used should be in very small amounts, as too much salt can have severe consequences for the fish’s health. Breeding / Mating / Reproduction: See breeding section in the article above. Their necks and bellies become abnormally large. Flame Tetra (Von Rio Tetra) – Care, Tank Mates, Feeding & Details! These colors are contrasted by a spattering of other colors and black bars. They can live up to around 10 years with proper care. The various foods they consume are as follows: Their different eating habits in times of food scarcity ensure that they do not fight each other over food at all times. All mbuna species have some form of aggression, regardless of their size or frame. Store; About; Contact us; 1-858-270-1182. Fish Care: Our Site: Saltwater: Malawi African Cichlids Zebra Cichlid Lake Malawi Mbuna African Cichlid Zebra Cichlid - Common Names . Privacy Policy | SiteMap | Aquarium Dictionary | Affiliate Disclosure | Contact Us. These cichlids are some of the most aggressive and territorial of all cichlid species so they generally need to be kept alone or in large tanks. Ideal water conditions are moderately hard with a temperature of 22-28c. The Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlid (Metriaclima callainos) hail from the sandy shallows and deeper rocky waters of lake Malawi, Africa and is known by tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Cobalt Blue, Cobalt Blue Cichlid, Zebra Malawi Cichlid, Cobalt Blue Mbuna and Cobalt Zebra.. In nature they will reach up to almost 4 inched (10 cm) in length. This would ensure proper care for the fish and keep them active. Name: Mbuna cichlidFamily: CichlidaeCare level: Medium to hardMinimum tank size:50 gallonsTemperature: 24 to 26 degrees CelsiusWater conditions:5 pH or higherDiet: OmnivorousTemperament: Aggressive. The water needs to have an ample amount of oxygen and should be devoid of pollutants. Click on a picture below to shop and learn more about that Mbuna. The Red Zebra has the typical muscular Mbuna form and though their bodies are stockier than the other 'zebras', they have a torpedo shape. The offspring in this particular phase is referred to as the fry. The real challenge would be the aggressiveness. This is a very bad food source for the mbuna cichlid. They are very hardy and aggressive enough to be kept with most other Mbuna. 5 years or more. Guppy Fish – Care, Compatibility And Details You Need. Originates from Lake Malawi. Its name comes from the very same fact. Safety Notice from Pets4Homes - NEVER send money for a deposit or pay for a pet online, unless using our Safe Deposit Service. The scientific name for the Red Zebra is Pseudotropheus estherae and the common zebra cichlid is Pseudotropheus zebra. The chemical makeup of the water is also important to consider to ensure you provide optimal care for the mbuna fish. If you don't love your Zeba shoes or they don't fit right, you can send them back for a full refund or exchange. Taxonomy and naming. As long as you give the proper food within the schedule, the fish would survive well. Maylandia zebra 'Gallireya Reef' Introduction. KAY SAWANT at How to care for the Flowerhorn fish with discussion on 2019-01-23 22:04:57; Zebra acara - Nannacara adoketa. The mbuna cichlids are aggressive. A mbuna can be identified through not just their bright colors but also their patterns which are numerous and eye-catching. The vibrant colors are not the only thing that makes these fish desirable for aquarists. The best known of the Mbuna group are the Zebra Cichlids. Most of these species require the same level and conditions of care. You should also avoid keeping conspecifi… Cichlids for sale at AquariumFish.net . Males typically are bright powder blue, females a rich orange. Continue Reading . Lake Malawi is so big that it offers many types of habitat and each niche is filled with its own type of fish. This makes movement and relocation possible when predators appear or food scarcity occurs. Emperor Tetra – Care, Feeding, Tank Mates & Details! These lake Malawi Mbuna are lively, slightly aggressive and engaging to observe. 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