Mdoka Chilumba
Metriaclima sp. "Zebra Long Pelvic"
Mdoka Chilumba is a rare zebra long-pelvic style mbuna with the active rockwork behavior and territorial personality expected from Metriaclima. It is best for keepers who enjoy structured mbuna tanks and want a less common locality-style fish.
Origin and Habitat
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Native Region: Lake Malawi, Mdoka/Chilumba-area form in the aquarium trade.
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Natural Habitat: Rocky shoreline habitat with caves, ledges, and grazing surfaces.
Physical Characteristics
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Size: Up to about 6 inches.
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Coloration: Males develop stronger display color and pattern with maturity and dominance; females are more subdued.
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Body Shape: Robust mbuna body with a zebra-type profile.
Behavior and Temperament
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Temperament: Mildly aggressive.
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Social Behavior: Best with mbuna of similar size and temperament in a rock-heavy aquarium.
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, broken sightlines, 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: Overly similar males in tight quarters, delicate fish, and very small tank mates.
