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Metriaclima callainos is living in rocky environments. They can be found along the northwestern coast of the lake from Kande Island to Ngara and also along the northeastern coast between Ikombe and Puulu Island. The so-called blue "Cobalt Zebra" can be found between Kande Island and Mbowe. The white "Zebra Pearl" is found along the western coast between Ruarwe and Ngara and along the eastern coast north of Puulu. Near Chitande Island is living a third colorform which exists of "Cobalt Blue" males with white OB females. In all these populations sometimes you can find seldom "marmelade cats". This variant can be found near Puulu Island, in front of the southern part of the tanzanian coast. In the lake the males of these species can grow to 12 cm, in the aquarium however they can grow taller because of a good feeding. The males can then grow to about 14 cm, females grow to about 11 cm. Metriaclima callainos can behave intolerant against equal species, against other inhabitants they are in general tolerant. You can best keep this species with multiple females and other mbuna in an aquarium with a lot of hiding places. In the lake they are mainly feeding themselves with algae, invertebrates and plankton. In the aquarium they are comfortable with any food. They take everything they get offered, like spirulina pellets, mysis, artemia, cyclops and shrimp-peas mix. Food rich of algae like spirulina pellets or flakes is very important to them so this should not be missing on their menu. 
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