Masinje Zebra
Metriaclima sp. "Masinje Zebra"
Masinje Zebra is a Lake Malawi mbuna with the active personality, rockwork behavior, and bold zebra-type look that make Metriaclima popular in African cichlid aquariums. It is a strong choice for keepers who want a colorful, territorial mbuna that stays manageable in the right setup.
Origin and Habitat
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Native Region: Lake Malawi, Masinje-area zebra-type stock in the aquarium trade.
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Natural Habitat: Rocky shoreline habitat where mbuna graze and defend territories.
Physical Characteristics
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Size: Up to about 6 inches.
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Coloration: Males develop stronger color and pattern with maturity; females are generally more subdued.
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Body Shape: Robust zebra-type mbuna body built for moving through rocks.
Behavior and Temperament
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Temperament: Mildly aggressive.
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Social Behavior: Best in a mbuna community with rockwork, sight breaks, and compatible fish of similar size.
Aquarium Care
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Tank Size: A 55 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended.
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Water Parameters: 74-84°F, pH 7.4-8.4, hard water.
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Tank Setup: Provide sand, stacked rockwork, caves, grazing surfaces, and strong filtration.
Diet and Feeding
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Primary Staple: Feed a quality daily diet such as Ron’s Mbuna Food.
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Juveniles: Growing fish can be fed Ron’s Juvenile Food.
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Fry: Newly released fry should be started on Ron’s Fry Food.
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Feeding Frequency: Feed 1–2 small meals daily and avoid overfeeding.
Breeding
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Breeding Type: Maternal mouthbrooder.
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Breeding Notes: Males defend rocky territories and display to females. Females hold eggs and fry in the mouth, and fry should be protected after release.
Tank Mates
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Compatible With: Other Lake Malawi mbuna and similarly sized African cichlids.
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Avoid: Look-alike males in cramped tanks, very small fish, and delicate community species.
