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ZebrafishPseudotropheus zebra 
The Zebra was one of the first Africans imported into the hobby. Its' striking colors, mating habits and different morphs have kept it one of the most popular fish from the great rift lakes.
Common name :Zebra, Cobalt blue Cichlid, Zebra Malawi Cichlid Distribution :Africa, lake Malawi. One of the Great rift lakes. General Body Form :Its forehead looks slightly swollen and they have the characteristic thick lips. Taller and more thick set than other members of its species. The soft rays of the anal and dorsal fin are pointed. The tail fin is slightly curved in (concave). Breeding :Breeding of the fish from the Rift Lakes is one of the most fascinating things a hobbyist can observe. They are known as mouthbrooders. No bonding takes place between the male and females of the species and unlike their South American cousins one female will not be enough for the male. You should have at least a ratio of three females to each male in the tank. Right after the spawning males and females go their own ways and only the mother will care for the eggs and fry. The preferred spawning site is a flat stone in a covered secluded place. The eggs are still unfertilized when the female takes them in her mouth. They are fertilized when the female follows the male with her mouth close to his anal fin. The egg spots play an important role as it is thought that the female believes these are more eggs and goes to retrieve them. At this moment the male releases his sperm and fertilizes the eggs in her mouth. The eggs are rich with yolk and take a long time to hatch. Once hatched the yolk sac takes about 20 days to be absorbed. Due to their larger size the fry can be fed finely crushed flake food or even Daphnia if you can find it. If raised in a community setting special feeding should not be needed as the fry will be able to find small left over food particles floating in the tank. One of the best things to observe is the fry retreating back into the mothers mouth when danger nears. |
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