Cobalt Zebra

Cobalt Zebra

Facts - Information - Picture

Popular Name: Cobalt Zebra
Species: Maylandia callainos

Profile of the Cobalt Zebra
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Cobalt Zebra species.

• Size: Up to 13cm

• Fish Tank conditions: PH 7.6 to 8.8. Temp 24 to 28 Degrees

• Diet / Feeding: Dried or Frozen Food

• Temperament: Aggressive

• Habitat: Rocky Areas, Freshwater Lakes

• Behaviour: Territorial, keep with other 'Mbana' fish to minimise aggression

• Range: Endemic to Malawi, Africa

Scientific Classification of the Cobalt Zebra
Definition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.

• Species: Maylandia callainos

• Popular Name: Cobalt Zebra - Cobalt Blue Mbuna

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Actinopterygii

• Order: Perciformes

• Family: Cichlidae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Cobalt Zebra?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist! Male Cobalt Zebra's are more colorful than females.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Cobalt Zebra slimy?
Cobalt Zebra secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Cobalt Zebra to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do Cobalt Zebra have gills?
Gills enable the Cobalt Zebra to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do the Cobalt Zebra have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

• Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Cobalt Zebra has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Cobalt Zebra has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Cobalt Zebra has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

• Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Cobalt Zebra has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Cobalt Zebra