All fish / Cichlidae

Maylandia phaeos

Maylandia phaeos

Also known as metriaclima phaeos, pseudotropheus phaeos, pseudotropheus zebra phaeos, zebra phaeos, mbuna phaeos

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A rock-dwelling mbuna from the Zebra complex, with males showing pale blue bodies crossed by dark bars and often a yellowish throat or fins, while females are duller. It is kept for its bright male colours and lively behaviour in rocky Malawi set-ups.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

10 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

7.6 to 8.6

Smallest tank

240 litres

Keep as

One male with 3 or more females in a crowded mbuna tank

Diet

Herbivore: algae-based flakes and pellets, spirulina, blanched vegetables, little protein

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

6 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Lake Malawi (Tanzanian coast, Mbamba Bay area)

Breeding

A maternal mouthbrooder; the female carries the eggs and fry for around three weeks after spawning near the male's rocky territory. Breeding is easy in a well-kept Malawi tank.

Good to know

Males are territorial and harass rivals and similar-looking zebra mbuna, so avoid mixing with close relatives to prevent hybrids. Feed a low-protein diet to avoid Malawi bloat.