Zebra mbuna

The zebra mbuna is a rock-dwelling cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa, and one of the foundational mbuna species in the hobby. It occurs in many color forms, most commonly a pale blue body crossed by dark vertical bars, with females and some morphs appearing orange or blotched. It is an aggressive, territorial algae grazer that defends rocky feeding areas and can be very combative during breeding. It needs a large tank with extensive rockwork forming caves and territories, hard alkaline water matching Lake Malawi, and a diet high in vegetable matter to avoid digestive problems. Aggression is best managed by keeping it in a crowded mbuna community with one male to several females to spread out hostility. It is a maternal mouthbrooder that breeds readily. Its temperament and water requirements make it best for intermediate keepers.