All fish / Cichlidae

Mara Rocks zebra

Maylandia thapsinogen

Also known as metriaclima thapsinogen, pseudotropheus thapsinogen, mara rocks cichlid, maylandia pyrsonotos, metriaclima pyrsonotos, zebra mara rocks, yellow chin zebra, 马拉岩斑马

A typical zebra-type mbuna, and males show pale blue bodies with faint dark bars and yellow tones on the throat and fins. Females are duller. Fans of Lake Malawi cichlids keep it for its bright colours and lively behaviour in a rocky tank.

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

250 litres

Keep as

One male with three or more females, in a crowded mbuna community

Diet

Herbivore: algae-based flakes and pellets, spirulina, blanched greens, with only small amounts of protein

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

6 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Lake Malawi, endemic to Mara Rocks in the northern lake (Tanzania)

Breeding

A maternal mouthbrooder, the female carries the eggs and fry for about three weeks. It breeds readily in captivity if kept in hard, alkaline water with plenty of rockwork.

Good to know

Males are territorial and will attack other males and similar-looking zebras, so don't keep it with close relatives because they can hybridise. Fish sold as Maylandia pyrsonotos are often a different red-top zebra, so check the collection locality with the seller.