fintofur

African Cichlid

Advancedfreshwater
Pseudotropheus zebra
African Cichlid

Overview

Mbuna is the common name for a large group of African cichlids from Lake Malawi, and are members of the haplochromine tribe within the family Cichlidae.

Water Parameters

Parameter Value
Temperature 24–28°C (75–82°F)
pH 7.8–8.5
Adult Size 10–15 cm (4–6 in)
Min Tank 55 gallons
Lifespan 6–10 years

Tank Setup

Feeding

Herbivore — spirulina pellets, cichlid flakes, blanched vegetables

Compatibility

Breeding


Image credit: Wikimedia Commons — licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Taxonomic data: *Pseudotropheus zebra (Boulenger, 1899) * — GBIF (2026). Wikipedia summary: African Cichlid — CC BY-SA 4.0.

Care parameters cross-referenced with Seriously Fish.

Quick facts & gear

Min tank size
55 gallons
Temperature
24–28°C (75–82°F)
pH range
7.8–8.5
Adult size
10–15 cm (4–6 in)
Lifespan
6–10 years
Origin
Member of family Cichlidae, order Perciformes. See species profile for distribution details.
Diet
Herbivore —spirulina pelletscichlid flakesblanched vegetables