Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlid
Maylandia callainos (Stauffer & Hert, 1992)
Also called Cobalt Zebra, Cobalt Blue Mbuna, Pseudotropheus callainos, Metriaclima callainos
From Endemic to Lake Malawi, East Africa: native around Nkhata Bay in the north of the lake, and introduced at several islands.123
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Torpedo-shaped rock-dwelling mbuna
A solid, elongated mbuna of plain, even blue without the dark bars seen on many relatives; males are the brighter sex.3
Personality what they are like
Confident and territorial, typical of mbuna. It mixes well with other robust Malawi rock cichlids but not with gentle community fish.3
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Busy swimmer that spends the day grazing and patrolling rockwork in the middle and lower water.31
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Hard, alkaline water, good filtration and regular partial water changes keep it in top colour.31
Home where they are happiest
Aquarium with a base of at least about 120 x 30 cm (around 108 litres or more), lots of rocks and caves, temperature 24-28 C, pH 7.5-8.8, hardness about 5-30 dGH depending on source.31
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A largely plant-based grazer: spirulina flakes, blanched spinach and similar greens, with some live or frozen food as a supplement.31
Company who they like around
Keep one male with several females in a well-stocked mbuna tank so attention is shared out.3
The story where it all began
Formally described in 1992 as Pseudotropheus callainos, it was later moved to Metriaclima and then Maylandia. Despite coming naturally from one small stretch of the northern lake, it became one of the best-known Malawi cichlids in the hobby.23
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Its natural home was originally just around Nkhata Bay, but it is now found at several other islands where it was introduced.1
- 2
Besides the classic cobalt blue, it also comes in orange blotch and pearl colour forms.3
- 3
Females carry eggs in their mouths for three to four weeks and release free-swimming fry.3
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 20 June 2018)1
- Taxonomy
- Described by Stauffer & Hert in 1992 as Pseudotropheus callainos; later Metriaclima, now Maylandia2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlid. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlid?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding, and it's best to follow the food label and consult your vet for exact portions.3 Furry Diary plan
What does a Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlid eat, and what should it never eat?
This fish is a plant-based grazer that enjoys spirulina flakes, blanched spinach, and similar greens, with occasional live or frozen food as a supplement. Avoid feeding it any foods not listed here, and always check with a vet or good breeder for specifics.31
How much space does a Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlid need?
It needs an aquarium with a base of at least about 120 x 30 cm, which is around 108 litres or more. Provide lots of rocks and caves for its active swimming and patrolling.31
What temperature, light or water does a Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlid need?
Keep the water temperature between 24-28°C, with a pH of 7.5-8.8 and hardness around 5-30 dGH. Good filtration and regular water changes are important, and lighting should be moderate to support its rockwork habitat.31
How often should I clean a Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlid's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, weekly glass cleaning, and a monthly filter rinse using old tank water. Regular testing of water parameters is also recommended. Furry Diary plan
Can a Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlid live with others?
Yes, it mixes well with other robust Malawi rock cichlids but not with gentle community fish. Keep one male with several females in a well-stocked mbuna tank to share attention and reduce aggression.3
How long does a Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlid live?
Lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For specific information, consult a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.
Can I handle a Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlid?
Handling is not recommended as it can stress the fish and damage its protective slime coat. Enjoy watching its confident swimming and grazing instead.31
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FishBase: Maylandia callainos fishbase.seused for taxonomy, size, water, distribution, IUCN
- Wikipedia: Maylandia callainos en.wikipedia.orgused for names, taxonomy history
- Seriously Fish: Maylandia callainos seriouslyfish.comused for care, water, colour forms, behaviour, breeding
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.