Scientific Name: Pseudotropheus zebra

Common Name: Zebra Cichlid, Nyassa blue

Origin: Africa, endemic to Lake Malawi

Family: Cichlidae

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.