Zebra Cichlid,
Nyassa blue

Scientific Name(s): Pseudotropheus zebra
Common Name(s): Zebra Cichlid, Nyassa blue
Origin: Africa, endemic to Lake Malawi
Family: Cichlidae
Order:
Species Type: Nyassa Blue, Pseudotropheus
Maximum Size:Around 6 inches
Life Span: 9-12 Years
Natural Habitat: Areas of rich sediment and sandy rocky outcroppings, also along tree roots and crevices in these areas.
Diet: Omnivore. Likes algae, duck weed, spinach, lettuce, Brine Shrimp, Krill, Beef hearts and Mysis shrimp. Will also accept Flake and Stick.
Temperature: 72-82 degrees
PH: 8-9 and 10-18dGH Moderately alkaline water.
Minimum Tank Size: 55 Gallon minimum
Tank Region: Lower to mid region
Temperament: Aggressive ,even more so during breeding.
Possible Tank Mates: Cherry Zebras, Venestus, Kenyi, Gershaki, johanni, Electric yellow.

Filtration and Setup: HOB, Mechanical, Chemical, Canister, or trickle filter will work just fine. Sand or gravel will work for a substrate. Likes lots of rock work, slate, tree roots and caves. Weekly water changes of about 1/4 tank or more are needed.


Coloration: Blueish white body with dark blue, black lateral stripes usually 8 to 9 of the stripes.
Breeding: (Mouthbrooder, likes to breed on a cleaned off piece of slate or flat surface. The female will hold the eggs until they turn to fry in about 3 to 4 weeks. She will spit them out and care for them for about another week. Multiple females are better with a single male. 1m/4f ratio should be kept for breeding.