P. Zebra OB - Blueberry 7cm

P. Zebra OB - Blueberry
 

The Blueberry Zebra Mbuna is a stunning cichlid with its unique marbled blue patterning, these are easy-to-care-for species that will be a fantastic addition to a Mbuna-dominated aquarium or even a species-only colony system. These stunning fish originally come from Lake Malawi however the Blueberry Zebra Mbuna is a captive-made colour strain which means these fish are well suited to captivity. These fish only reach around 10 cm as an adult and make for a great entry-level African Cichlid because they can be kept in smaller aquariums.

The colouration of this species is something that you don’t see that commonly in aquarium fish. The body colour is a very light white shade from head to tail with a marbling of dark blue that makes these fish shimmer so well. Because these cichlids were mostly derived from Red Zebra Mbuna, they do show flecks of orange through the scales and an overall shade under the pinkish-white body. As these fish have been developed to sport contrasting colours in captivity, they are incredibly well-suited to aquarium conditions whilst also maintaining wild rock-dwelling behaviours. 

Breeding these fish is relatively easy as males can be easily differentiated from females. Male fish will be more slender in body shape with an abundance of egg spots on the ventral fin whereas females will sport a rounder body. These Mbuna are mouth brooders meaning the female lays eggs which she will then scoop up in her mouth, the eggs then get fertilised by the male. As long as a small colony is kept with a few hiding places, these fish will breed. 

Tank Recommendations for your Blueberry Zebra Mbuna

As the Blueberry Zebra Mbuna only reaches around 10 cm, an adult pair of these fish can easily be kept in a tank of around 120 litres. They will however thrive in larger aquariums when kept in a colony of 6 or more.  Since these cichlids spend a lot of time near the bottom of the aquarium it is best to ensure there is a decent footprint.

Blueberry Zebra Mbunas can be territorial, especially during breeding time however their aggression is quite minimal compared to other African cichlids. They should be provided with plenty of caves for security and just to diffuse the minimal aggression. These are also tropical fish that are best kept at 24-26 degrees with a pH of 7.0-8.5

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Blueberry Zebra Mbunas can be kept with a range of other Mbuna species and relatively peaceful African Cichlids. Since these fish require a higher PH of around 8 the tank mates chosen should be adaptable to this.

Usually Compatible

Yellow Lab Cichlids, Red Zebra Cichlids, Malawi Peacocks, and smaller sized Hap Cichlids.

Sometimes Compatible

Frontosa, larger Haps like Malawi Trout, and other large, semi-aggressive fish. 

Rarely Compatible

Aggressive African Cichlid species like Fuscodichromis and Polystigma. South American Cichlids should also be avoided.

Feeding your Blueberry Zebra Mbuna

Blueberry Zebra Mbunas will take to aquarium foods very easily. They will take a wide range of pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. A varied diet will ensure that they have optimal nutrition.  The ideal diet would be good quality, small, and slow food, supplemented with green matter like algae flakes or sheets.