Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlid – African Mbuna Cichlid

The Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlid is a bright blue African Mbuna cichlid commonly kept in Lake Malawi-style aquariums. Its bold coloration and active swimming behavior make it a popular choice for African cichlid tanks with proper stocking, rockwork, and filtration.

Like other Mbuna cichlids, Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlids are territorial and should not be kept with small peaceful community fish. They do best in aquariums designed specifically for African cichlids, with hard water, higher pH, plenty of rock structure, and compatible tankmates.

Key Features

• Bright Blue Mbuna Cichlid: Known for bold blue coloration
• Lake Malawi Cichlid: Best suited for African cichlid aquariums
• Active & Territorial: Needs space, structure, and compatible tankmates
• Rockwork Recommended: Provides territories, hiding spaces, and visual barriers
• Best for Cichlid Setups: Not suitable for small peaceful community aquariums
• Local Pickup Only: Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only

Fish Information

• Common Name: Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlid
• Scientific Name: Maylandia callainos / Metriaclima callainos
• Type: African Mbuna Cichlid
• Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa
• Adult Size: Approximately 5–6 inches
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive to aggressive
• Care Level: Intermediate
• Diet: Omnivore with strong herbivorous grazing tendencies

Care Guide

• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons or larger recommended for most Mbuna setups
• Temperature: 76–82°F
• pH: 7.8–8.6
• Water Hardness: Moderate to hard water preferred
• Tank Level: Middle and lower areas
• Setup: Rockwork, caves, sand or fine substrate, open swimming space, and strong filtration

Tank Setup

Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlids should be kept in African cichlid aquariums with plenty of rockwork and visual barriers. Rock piles, caves, and hardscape help create territories and can reduce constant line-of-sight aggression.

Good filtration and regular water changes are important because Mbuna tanks are often stocked heavily to spread aggression. Stable water parameters are more important than chasing exact numbers.

Diet & Feeding

Feed a quality African cichlid pellet or granule with vegetable-based or spirulina-based ingredients. Mbuna should not be fed only rich, high-protein foods, as many species do better with a diet that includes plant-based foods.

Offer small amounts 1–2 times daily and remove uneaten food as needed. Overfeeding can contribute to water quality problems and digestive issues.

Tankmates

• Other compatible Mbuna cichlids
• Lake Malawi cichlids with similar temperament and size
• Some compatible Synodontis catfish in larger setups
• Other African cichlids when the tank is planned carefully

Avoid small peaceful community fish, long-finned fish, slow-moving fish, and delicate bottom dwellers. Avoid mixing with very timid cichlids or species that cannot handle Mbuna aggression.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlids get?
They commonly reach around 5–6 inches as adults, depending on sex, genetics, diet, and care.

Are Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlids aggressive?
Yes, they can be semi-aggressive to aggressive. They should be kept in a properly planned African cichlid aquarium with compatible tankmates.

What size tank do they need?
A 55 gallon or larger aquarium is recommended for most Mbuna setups. Larger tanks are better for groups or mixed African cichlid communities.

Can Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlids live with community fish?
No. They are not a good match for small peaceful community fish and should be kept with compatible African cichlids.

What should I feed Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlids?
Feed African cichlid pellets or granules with vegetable-based or spirulina-based ingredients, along with a varied diet appropriate for Mbuna cichlids.

Can this fish be shipped?
No. Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo

Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlids are bright blue African Mbuna cichlids for properly stocked Lake Malawi-style aquariums. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop African cichlids, Mbuna cichlids, cichlid food, aquarium rocks, substrate, filters, water conditioners, and freshwater aquarium supplies.

---

Explore More Aquarium Products:

• Shop Fish Medications & Treatments
• Ich Treatment Care Guide
• Kanaplex vs Metroplex
• Shop Freshwater Fish for Sale
• Read Aquarium Care Guides & Tips