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Metriaclima zebra is a species with a lot of geographic variants which can be found all around the lake in rocky environments but also in intermediate zones from rocks to sand. Belonging to this zebra-group are the so-called BB-zebra (striped, blue-black, you can find them on places without sediment on the rocks), the stripeless zebra (you can find this type many times on places where a small layer of sediment is on the rocks and between the locations of two BB-variants), the "blue-blaze" zebra (this one is missing two stripes on its head) and the "red-top" zebra (with the same striped pattern as the BB-zebra but with a red dorsal fin. This type is found on different locations around the lake). These different forms are never found together. This "blue-blaze"-variant can be found near Msasa Point, the most northern point of Chizumulu Island. In the lake the males of these species can grow to 13 cm, in the aquarium however they can grow taller because of a good feeding. The males can then grow to about 16 cm, females grow to about 13 cm. Metriaclima zebra 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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