Nyasa Blue Cichlid

Nyasa Blue Cichlid is also known as Zebra Cichlid, Cobalt Blue Cichlid and Zebra Malawi Cichlid. Its scientific name is Pseudotropheus zebra. It is learnt that this fish has numerous varieties of colors like Cobalt Blue, Red and Green Zebras. Its temperament is aggressive. It is territorial and thus, it is wise to keep it in a large tank. Its life span is of about 10 years on an average. Males grow to the size of 6 inches or 15 cms and females grow to the size of 5 inches or 13 cms. Go through the following account if you want to know more about this fish.

Geographical Distribution

Diet

Nyasa Blue Cichlid enjoys eating live food like bloodworms, mosquito larvae, snails, crustaceans, microorganisms, Tubifex, pellets, chopped meat, flakes, plant matter, algae, vegetables, spinach, peas, lettuce and fruits.

Breeding

For breeding Nyasa Blue Cichlid keep temperature of the water tank from 77 degree F to 82 degree F or 25 degree C to 28 degree C, pH should be 8.0-8.8 and hardness of water should be 10-16 dH. Use numerous females as male is polygamous. Female lays about 60 eggs which are fertilized through the dummy-egg method. Eggs are brooded in female’s mouth for 20-25 days. After the fry are free-swimming female continues her cave for 8 to10 days. You can feed the fry with Cyclops, Daphnia, Artemia and dry foods.

Physical Description

Nyasa Blue Cichlid possesses typical shape of a mbuna. Geographical population and fish’s mood decides the color of this fish. The most common variety of this fish has a blue color body and seven to eight, dark blue or black bands are on it. All of its flanks are blue in color. Extremely common is albino and white variations. Also Red or Tangerine form and many blotched ‘OB’ varieties are common.

Tank Set Up

A Nyasa Blue Cichlid that measures 3.5 inches or 9 cms can do well in a tank that holds 132 liters or 35 gallons of water. Being a territorial fish, minimum tank size required by it is that of 48 inches or 122 cms which can hold 209 liters or 55 gallons of water. Temperature required is 22 degree C to 28 degree C or 72 degree F to 82 degree F; pH should be 7.2 to 9.0 and hardness of water should be 12-25 dH. Provide ample hiding places and holes with large stones and also add some robust plants to copy its natural environment. It is compulsory to keep well filtered alkaline water in order to keep your fish healthy.

Social Behavior

Nyasa Blue Cichlid is aggressive by temperament. You can reduce tension by keeping it with dissimilar species and morphs. Females have a trend to school. Keep one male with numerous females. Males establish large territories and defend them with vigor.

Compatibility

Tank mates recommended for Nyasa Blue Cichlid are Synodontis, Small Haplochromines, Aulonocara and mbunas.

Nyasa Blue Cichlid is a mouth brooder and its temperament is not a peaceful one. Provide it tank mates that can stay with this fish without being harmed. Be careful to mimic its natural habitat in its aquarium, take good care and be with your pet fish for long.