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The Scape Galleria

Ice Blue Zebra Mbuna

Ice Blue Zebra Mbuna

$4.00 USD
$4.00 USD
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( the photo above was taken from azgardens.com, because I just haven't gotten a decent photo of my babies...yet!)

The Icy Blue Zebra Mbuna cichlid, scientifically known as Maylandia (Metriaclima) barlowi, is a striking freshwater fish native to Lake Malawi in East Africa. Known for its stunning, bright blue coloration, the Icy Blue Zebra Mbuna stands out in both its natural habitat and in aquariums. The males are especially vibrant, showcasing a shimmering icy blue hue with faint vertical black stripes, while females tend to be more subdued in coloration, typically a lighter blue or gray with minimal striping.

This species is part of the Mbuna group, which are rock-dwelling cichlids that thrive in rocky environments. They are known for their territorial nature and can be quite aggressive, especially during breeding periods. The Icy Blue Zebra Mbuna typically grows to about 4 to 5 inches in length and is favored by aquarists due to its beauty and relatively manageable care requirements compared to other cichlids.

In terms of care, these cichlids require a well-maintained aquarium with plenty of hiding spots created by rocks and caves. They prefer slightly alkaline water with a temperature range of 75-80°F (24-27°C) and a high oxygen content. A balanced (mostly plant based) diet consisting of high-quality cichlid pellets, spirulina, and occasional protein-based foods is essential to maintain their health and vibrant coloration.

The Icy Blue Zebra Mbuna is an excellent choice for experienced aquarists looking for an attractive, yet challenging species to add to their African cichlid collection.

(Please note that these babies were tank raised with a large collection of various mix of Lake Malawi Cichlids and hybridizing has occurred before in the tank so these babies are not guaranteed to be pure bred)

Distribution

  Endemic to Makokola reef & Crocodile reef, south of Boadzulu Island, Lake Malawi, Africa.

Maximum Size

 About 5 inches

Temperature (℉)

 75-80°F (24-27°C)

Water Parameters

  pH: 7.5-8.5, Hardness: 10-25 degrees

Tank Mates

 other Lake Malawi cichlids, catfish, and larger plecos

Tank Size

 50 gallons
Diet Spirulina flake, granules,cichlid pellets and frozen foods

Temperament

 Aggressive
Care Level  Easy

 

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