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Metriaclima tarakiki (formerly known as Metriaclima sp."zebra slim") is living in the rocky parts of the intermediate zones from rocks to sand at Higga Reef and Mbamba Bay Island (Ngkuyo Island). In every population of Metriaclima tarakiki you can find OB-females, "marmelade cats" however are very rare. This marmelade cat (MC) and OB-female are offspring of parental fish which were caught in the neighbourhood of Masinje in the southeastern part of the lake. 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 15 cm, females grow to about 12 cm. Metriaclima tarakiki 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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