Metriaclima Estherae
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| Common name | Minos Reef, Estherae |
| Scientific name | Metriaclima estherae |
| Synonyms | Maylandia estherae, also previously known as Pseudotropheus estherae (old genus name). |
| Size | 4-5" (10-12.5cm) |
| Origin | Lake Malawi, East Africa |
| Tank setup | A large tank with many rock caves |
| Compatibility | Combine with other mbuna species |
| Temperature | 23-28oC (73-82oF) |
| Water chemistry | Hard and alkaline: pH 7.6-8.6 ; GH 7 plus ; KH 10-12 |
| Feeding | An omnivore which normally feeds on aufwuchs and plankton. Include a
vegetable component in the diet. |
| Sexing | Wild males are blue, while the female is normally orange (see photos).
However, captive bred fish are now available where both sexes are an identical orange colour. The males are then best distinguished by
having larger and/or more numerous egg spots. |
| Breeding | Mouthbrooder, males will defend a spawning site around a cave. |
| Comments |
The females of this species can be bright orange to a less intense yellow-orange colour. The females
from around Minos Reef have the more intense colour. An orange blotch female also occurs. The males
can be easily confused with the Cobalt Blue Zebra, M. callainos.
Due to a technicality with scientific naming conventions, there is still some debate as to whether Maylandia or Metriaclima is the valid name for this genus,
though most sources seem to indicate Maylandia will become the accepted name.
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