Zebra cichlid: species with description and content

Fish with an exotic appearance are in great demand among aquarists: both beginners and experienced. One of these is the zebra cichlid. The variety of subspecies of these individuals is amazing. However, each of them must be kept in special conditions, which will be discussed below.

Despite its rather modest size, this does not stop cichlazoma from attacking other fish.

Keep cichlids in spacious aquariums, she must have her own corner, on which no one will encroach. Black-striped has a pugnacious character, and it is difficult to get along with other fish.

The body of Malawi cichlazoma (another name) is oval, the fins are pointed, in length it does not exceed 15 cm.

The color is smoky-gray-blue, black stripes on the body of the cichlid. The fins are slightly transparent, the fish has large eyes and expressive lips. In the process of hybridization, unusual colors appeared, such as albinos.

The male is larger in size, so distinguishing it from a female is not so difficult. His forehead is less colored, but enlarged. On the female’s stomach, an orange tint can be seen that the male doesn’t have.

Such a cichlid is unfriendly but quickly remembers his masters, swimming towards them and saluting. Red zebra loves to hide, therefore she needs to provide caves in the aquarium.

Propagated unproblematic. A large aquarium is required for maintenance.

Such aquarium fish fascinate with its beauty.The body is elongated, flattened on the sides, the fin is long, the fish is 8 cm long. The cichlids have rather voluminous foreheads and lips. In the case of camouflage, it can change color to gray, as a result of which there is almost no way to find it in the thicket.

It is very simple to distinguish a female from a male, because their colors are very different: the females are more yellow in color, and in males the appearance is predominantly blue. You might even think that these are two different fish. Even males have faint vertical stripes and up to 7 round points near the anal fin.

For reference: pseudotrophyus includes many colors, there are more than 50: blue, white, gold, blue-black, yellow-orange, red, etc.

A cobalt zebra prefers to hide, so it needs a large aquarium. It is advisable to create a rocky landscape, which will include shelters, grottoes and caves. The male has one feature: when he is very afraid of something, he changes color, which makes it easy to confuse with a female.

The male reaches 10 cm, the female - 8. The males are a pale blue shiny color, the females are blue, without shine.

Pure white is also found in males, which is the equivalent of the usual "marmalade color."

It is not difficult to distinguish the female — just look at her carefully: she does not have the luster that is inherent in the male. The representative of white color has a spotty color.

Zebras breed easily. They are unacceptable to be kept with other miniature fish and large predators, which include: males, neons, piranhas, scalars, swordsmen, etc. It is advisable to keep them with ancistruses, apistograms, corridors, as well as cichlids of the same biotype: calm and small.

For a quality stay in the aquarium, you need to equip it with everything you need. A group of black-banded animals will require at least 300 liters of water, acidity - 6–8, temperature - 24–28 degrees, hardness - 2–20 dGh. Water should be clean, flow should be weak. Plants are also needed, the grass should be stoned on the sides, otherwise the fish will dig it out.

Sunlight should not fall on the aquarium, but if there is shelter, then the cichlazome will be comfortable.

Feeding should be balanced, and you need to feed in batches, since black-striped people tend to overeat. Leaves of cabbage and lettuce must be included in the menu, as well as zucchini, mussels, minced meat, shrimp, etc.

This is important to know! For any type of fish, equipment is required: an external filter for water purification, an aerator-heater, which will be needed in winter, a thermometer to maintain the optimum temperature.

Red zebra is a rather unpretentious fish in the content, it adapts to any food and does not create problems. The best pair for a red zebra is 3 females and 1 male. Mbuny get along well with other phlegmatic cichlids, but only of a different color. As soon as she sees a fish of the same shade as hers, she begins to fight.

The aquarium should be at least 122 cm in length, and the volume of water - 250 liters. But if more residents are planned, then the aquarium should be large. It is necessary to take care of filtering, placing sand, coral, stones, snags, gravel in the aquarium. Weekly, you need to replace a third of the water and refresh it more often.

Water must maintain the following indicators: hardness - 6–10 dH, temperature - 23–28 degrees, pH - 7.7–8.6. The red zebra often has a disease - bloating, but if you alternate plant and animal food, then the problem can be avoided. It is important to ensure that the fish receive vitamin supplements, eat often, but in portions. Algae should be placed in the aquarium: this will save on food.

The required volume of the aquarium is at least 150 liters per several fish. At least 2 females are required per male. Cobalt blue reproduces very interestingly: after spawning, the female collects eggs in her mouth and incubates her there for 3 weeks. All this time, the female does not eat.

Blue zebra is compatible with chain catfish, lake cichlids. Malawi, Victoria, as well as with some types of cichlids of Lake. Tanganyika. They cannot be kept with peaceful species of fish, but can be combined with other Mbunami. In the aquarium should be stones, caves, sandy substrate.

The male can be aggressive towards females, so the best option is to contain 1 male and several females. The water in the aquarium should be clean and equipped with oxygen.

Cichlids have more than 2000 species, mainly all these fish - predatory, demanding and territorial. They take great care of their offspring, so they need good conditions for reproduction. The inhabitants of the water world need clean water, proper balanced nutrition and caves in which they can hide. Then the fish will delight you with their beauty and give positive emotions.

See how zebra cichlids look after fry, see below.