Yellow Zebra Cichlid

The Yellow Zebra Cichlid is a striking African cichlid offered at 2-3CM. Lake Malawi mbuna lineage; captive-bred trade form. Its appeal comes from the combination of bold colour, intelligent behaviour and the unmistakable territorial presence that makes African cichlid aquariums so engaging.

This is not a generic community fish. Aggressive mbuna; territorial and best in a deliberately stocked African cichlid aquarium. A well-planned aquarium, stable mineral-rich water where appropriate, strong filtration and deliberate stocking make a major difference to long-term colour, behaviour and condition.

Why You'll Love Them

• Bold African cichlid colour and confident behaviour
• Excellent centrepiece potential in a dedicated African setup
• Active, responsive feeding behaviour
• Ideal for aquarists building a structured Lake Malawi Mbuna display

Care Requirements

• Adult size: 10-13 cm depending on line
• Minimum aquarium: 180-250 L+ with extensive rockwork
• Temperature: 24-27°C
• pH: 7.6-8.6
• Diet: Omnivore with strong herbivorous component; spirulina-rich mbuna foods and limited animal protein
• Care level: Intermediate

Behaviour & Compatibility

Best with other appropriately stocked mbuna or robust Malawi cichlids. Avoid peaceful community fish and species unable to compete at feeding time.

Good tank-mate direction: compatible African cichlids with similar adult size, temperament and water chemistry; robust Synodontis can be considered in larger African biotope-style systems where appropriate.

Avoid: small peaceful community fish, delicate long-finned fish, incompatible water-parameter species, and overcrowding that prevents weaker individuals from escaping dominant fish.

Aquascaping Notes

Build substantial rockwork with caves and broken lines of sight, leaving open lanes for swimming and feeding.

Supplier identity note: Supplier trade name does not establish exact Metriaclima species. Keep taxonomy conservative.