Orange Blotch Zebra Cichlid - (No Online Purchases)

Name: Orange Blotch Zebra Cichlid / OB Zebra. - Instore pick up only

Scientific Name: Metriaclima estherae — orange blotch variety

Description: A colourful African mbuna cichlid with an orange to cream body covered in irregular dark blotches. Each fish develops its own distinctive pattern. Active and bold, these rock-dwelling cichlids are territorial and require carefully selected tank mates.

Origin: Lake Malawi, East Africa.

pH: Approximately 7.8–8.6; prefers hard, alkaline water.

Temperature: Around 24–28°C.

Adult Size: Approximately 12–15 cm.

Lifespan: Approximately 8–10 years with good care.

Food: Omnivorous, with a strong preference for algae and plant material. Feed quality vegetable-based mbuna pellets or spirulina flakes, supplemented with suitable greens and occasional small portions of frozen brine shrimp or mysis. Avoid rich, meat-heavy diets and mammal meat.

Compatibility: Best kept with similarly sized, robust Malawi mbuna in a spacious aquarium. Avoid peaceful community fish, small fish and ornamental shrimp. Males can be highly territorial, particularly when breeding. One male with several females can help distribute attention, but adequate space and shelters remain essential.

Habitat: Provide a large freshwater aquarium, preferably with a sandy substrate and extensive, securely positioned rockwork. Create numerous caves, escape routes and visual barriers while retaining open swimming areas. Maintain strong filtration, good oxygenation and regular water changes.