Mayland's zebra
Maylandia hajomaylandi
Also known as Metriaclima hajomaylandi, Hajomaylandi cichlid
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)
- pH
- 7.5–8.5
- Adult size
- 4.7 in (12 cm)
- Minimum tank
- 66 gal (250 L)
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Social behavior
- Social
- Tankmates
- Tankmates with caution
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Medium
- Rarity
- Rare
- Origin
- Lake Malawi, Chizumulu Island
- Family
- Cichlidae
Overview
An island-endemic zebra mbuna kept by the standard harem plan, one male with several females so his aggression is shared rather than aimed at a single target. It grazes and holds territory low among the rocks and carries the usual zebra temper, so give it firm mbuna neighbors and choose tankmates with care. Its diet is vegetable-based, spirulina and algae foods with limited protein. A group needs a well-structured rock tank of about 250 liters or more with caves and clear boundaries.
In the wild
Maylandia hajomaylandi circles the rocky shores of Chizumulu Island in Lake Malawi. Recreate that with a sand floor and stacked boulders forming caves and territories, with open lanes between the piles for swimming and display. Give it hard, alkaline water like the lake, warm at 24 to 28 C at a pH of 7.5 to 8.5, kept clean and steady, since Malawi mbuna fare poorly in soft or acidic water.
Good to know
This species belongs to the Cichlidae and reaches about 12 centimeters, a mbuna found in the wild only around Chizumulu Island. Males show blue with white barring, females a duller tone. The female holds eggs and fry in her mouth, and reproduction rates as medium. Both its genus and species names honor the same person, Hans Joachim Mayland, a German aquarist and author.
Did you know
This fish carries one man's name twice over. The genus Maylandia and the species name hajomaylandi both honor Hans Joachim Mayland, the species name built from Ha-Jo, a short form of his first names, so it reads as Mayland doubled.
Common questions
What size tank does a Mayland's zebra need?
A Mayland's zebra needs at least 66 gal (250 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.
What temperature and pH do Mayland's zebra need?
Mayland's zebra are comfortable at 75–82°F (24–28°C) with a pH of 7.5–8.5.
How big do Mayland's zebra get?
An adult Mayland's zebra reaches about 4.7 in (12 cm).
Where to buy
Some links may not be the exact species or variety.
…or ask your local fish store.
Appears in
Keeping Mayland's zebra?
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Planning tankmates
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Related species
Fainzilber's mbuna
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