Zebra Mbuna

• ExerciseHigh

  A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.

• GroomingAttentive tank care

  Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment6–10 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Bloat (GDV) · Ich (white spot) · Fin rot

The Zebra Mbuna (Maylandia zebra, long sold as Pseudotropheus zebra) is endemic to the rocky shorelines of Lake Malawi and reaches about 10 to 13 cm. Males are typically barred powder blue; females of the same species can be blue, orange-blotched or white depending on the population, which is why shops stock several very different looking fish under one name. In the lake it grazes aufwuchs, the algae and micro-invertebrate mat growing on rock faces, using teeth built for scraping. Give a colony 200 litres or more at 24-27C with hard alkaline water, pH 7.8 to 8.6, and build the tank out of stacked rock with caves and sight breaks rather than open swimming space. Feed a spirulina-based flake or pellet as the staple and go easy on protein: this is a herbivore, and a diet heavy in bloodworm or beef heart is the standard route to Malawi bloat. Stock one male to three or four females and keep the tank crowded on purpose, which spreads aggression instead of letting one fish be singled out. This is not a community fish and should not share a tank with peaceful species of any kind.

• How active is a Zebra Mbuna?

  High. A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.

• How much maintenance does a Zebra Mbuna need?

  Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• What tank size does a Zebra Mbuna need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a Zebra Mbuna a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Zebra Mbuna live?

  6–10 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Zebra Mbuna?

  Keep an eye out for Bloat (GDV), Ich (white spot), Fin rot. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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