Fishician®Diet
Herbivore – spirulina flake, algae wafers, vegetable-based pellets
Aquarium species profile
Blue Cobalt Zebra
Metriaclima callainos · Lake Malawi
Minimum tank55 gal
Adult size5"
Care levelEasy
TemperamentSemi-Aggressive
Temperature76–82°F
pH range7.8–8.5
Compatible tank mates
Other Mbuna, Synodontis catfish
Tank mates to avoid
Passive fish, similar blue species (intense aggression)
Care notes
Solid cobalt blue Mbuna with no barring — very striking. Closely related to the Zebra cichlid complex. Males can be aggressive toward similar-looking fish. Popular beginner Malawi species.
Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.