Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlid (Metriaclima callainos) is an intermediate-level freshwater fish that needs at least 55 gallons and 76-82°F. A bright blue mbuna that is active and territorial. It does best in a rock-heavy tank with hard, alkaline water, one male and several females, and other mbuna so the aggression is spread out.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Metriaclima callainos |
|---|---|
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Origin | Lake Malawi, East Africa |
| Adult size | 5 in |
| Minimum tank | 55 gallons |
| Temperature | 76-82°F |
| pH | 7.6-8.6 |
| Temperament | Aggressive, territorial |
| Social behavior | One male with several females |
| Swim level | All levels |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Diet | Omnivore: cichlid pellets with some vegetable matter, spirulina flake |
| Typical lifespan | 6-10 years |
Quick tips
- Do not keep a single female with a male; use a harem.
- Stack rocks securely so they cannot collapse.
- Overstock with mbuna of similar size to spread aggression.
San Diego water
Naturally suited to San Diego's hard, alkaline tap water once it is dechlorinated (the city uses chloramine, so use a conditioner that handles it). Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
Before you buy
Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi