Cobalt Blue Zebra
Maylandia callainos
Maylandia callainos, also known as the Cobalt Blue Zebra, has an elongated and laterally compressed body typical of Mbuna. Its coloration is a uniform cobalt blue in dominant males, while females and juveniles are duller, sometimes with vertical bars. Males develop egg spots on the anal fin. It is a territorial and aggressive fish, especially towards conspecifics. It lives in groups in the rocky zones of Lake Malawi. Its diet is primarily herbivorous, feeding on algae and biofilm. In the aquarium, it requires plenty of hiding places and sufficient space to reduce conflicts.
Recommended parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24–28 |
| pH | 7.5–8.5 |
| GH | 10–20 |
| KH | 10–15 |
| NO₃ | ≤ 20 |
| PO₄ | ≤ 1 |
Care
Care notes
Maintain a temperature of 24–28°C, pH 7.5–8.5, and GH 10–20. The water should be well-filtered and oxygen-rich. A minimum tank size of 200 liters is recommended for a group of 3–5 individuals. Feed a diet based on spirulina and vegetables, supplemented with herbivorous cichlid pellets. Avoid high-protein animal foods that can cause digestive issues. Maylandia callainos are aggressive and should not be mixed with peaceful or small fish. Provide plenty of rocks to create territories and hiding spots. Regular water changes (20% weekly) are essential to maintain good water quality.