Zebra Obliquidens

• 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.

• Commitment5–8 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

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

The Zebra Obliquidens (Astatotilapia latifasciata) comes from Lakes Kyoga and Nawampasa in the Lake Victoria basin of Uganda and reaches about 10 to 13 cm. Both sexes carry the yellow body and black bars, while dominant males add red and blue along the belly and fins. The Victoria basin cichlids suffered catastrophic declines after the introduction of Nile perch and habitat change, and this species survives in the hobby in large numbers, which gives an ordinary home tank a genuine conservation footnote. Keep a male with three or more females in 250 litres or more at 24-27C, pH 7.5 to 8.5 in moderately hard water, with rock cover and open swimming space. Feed a spirulina-containing cichlid pellet with occasional frozen mysis, keeping protein moderate since Victorians share the mbuna tendency to bloat. It is hardy, breeds easily as a mouthbrooder and is a good introduction to African cichlids, though males are territorial and a single male per tank is the safe rule. It should not be mixed with other Victoria basin haps, which it will hybridise with readily.

• How active is a Zebra Obliquidens?

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

• How much maintenance does a Zebra Obliquidens need?

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

• What tank size does a Zebra Obliquidens need?

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

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

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Zebra Obliquidens live?

  5–8 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Zebra Obliquidens?

  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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