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Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlid
Maylandia callainos
📍 Africa
The Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlid is a vibrant African cichlid from Lake Malawi known for its striking cobalt blue coloration and distinctive vertical stripes. This hardy fish is popular among cichlid enthusiasts for its bold personality and relatively straightforward care requirements. Males are particularly aggressive and territorial, making them best suited for experienced aquarists willing to manage their combative nature.
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Care Guide
Diet
Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlids are primarily herbivorous and should be fed high-quality cichlid pellets formulated for herbivores, supplemented with vegetable matter such as spirulina flakes and blanched vegetables. Feed once or twice daily in portions they can consume within 2-3 minutes, as overfeeding can degrade water quality and lead to bloat.
Behavior
These cichlids are highly territorial and aggressive, especially males during breeding season. They are active swimmers that patrol their territory constantly and will aggressively defend against tank mates. They exhibit interesting social hierarchies and may display elaborate courtship behaviors, including color intensification and fin flaring.
Breeding
Breeding is moderately difficult and requires careful tank setup with adequate hiding spaces and substrate for spawning. Males are mouthbrooders that will vigorously defend fry; females incubate eggs in their mouths for 2-3 weeks. Breeding pairs should be isolated in a separate tank to prevent aggression toward other inhabitants.
Tank Mates
May be nipped or eaten; only suitable in very large tanks with dense vegetation
Peaceful but vulnerable to aggression; requires careful monitoring
Nocturnal and can coexist if tank is large enough with adequate hiding spots
Similar temperament but may compete for territory; requires 75+ gallons
Can hold their own but may be harassed; best in groups of 3+
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Increase temperature to 28-30°C (82-86°F), perform 25% water changes daily, use aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment for 7-10 days
Bloat (Malawi Bloat)
Swollen abdomen, loss of appetite, lethargy, difficulty swimming, pale coloration
Perform large water changes, reduce feeding, feed high-quality herbivore pellets, add Epsom salt (1 teaspoon per 10 gallons) for 3-5 days; may require antibiotic treatment in severe cases
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, remove sharp decorations, treat with antibacterial medication or salt baths; ensure proper nutrition and reduce stress
Hole-in-the-Head Disease
Small holes or pits in head and lateral line, loss of appetite, lethargy
Perform 50% water changes, improve diet with quality foods and vegetables, treat with metronidazole if parasitic; ensure optimal water parameters and reduce stress
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore with herbivorous tendencies
- lifespan
- 6-10 years
- max size
- 14 cm (5.5 in)
- tank size
- 40 gallons minimum
- temperament
- aggressive
Water it likes
- ph
- 7.5-8.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 10-18 dGH
- temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)