Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Live Plant Safe: With Caution

General Description: Zebra Obliquidens are endemic to Lake Victoria on the continent of Africa, though fish available within the aquarium trade are produced on a commercial basis. Male Zebra obliquidens are unmistakable for their vibrant yellow and red patches of coloration across their boldy striped bodies, while females, or immature males, are plain silver-gray overall with bold stripes. A lot of specimens for sale are juvenile fishes, but some signs of an individual being male might be observable. Zebra obliquidens are relatively easy to care for and are one of more less aggressive African cichlids, but certain males can become territorial in nature toward other male cichlids or if there are few caves and other hiding places provided. This species may do best when kept in an overcrowded tank with other like-temperamented heterospecific fish to spread out or reduce aggression, such as Aulonocara and certain Mbuna species. Hybridization has been reported with females of Haplochromis species, so these should be avoided as tank mates. An adult Zebra obliquiden can reach a size of approximately 5″.

Diet Requirements: Zebra obliquidens are insectivores and therefore, protein should make up a large portion of their diet. Frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclopeeze, and other freshwater mixed preparations are ideal. High quality protein-based flake foods and pellets can be fed in moderation. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: An established minimum 55 gallon aquarium is ideal for a single or pair of Zebra obliquiden. Several males, or even unsexed individuals, will require more space and crowding of other cichlids. Biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters up to standard for African cichlid aquariums (Nitrates < 30 ppm). The aquarium should be aquascaped generously with stacked rocks to create many hiding spaces and caves to encourage their exploratory behavior, but some open swimming space should also be provided. A sandy or fine substrate is preferred and the aquarium needs to be well oxygenated. African cichlid specific substrates, or even marine Aragonite substrate, are great choices because they will buffer the pH and alkalinity to levels characteristic of Lake Victoria. Zebra obliquidens should not be kept with overly pugnacious African cichlid species. Recommended water conditions, 74-80° F, KH 10-25, pH 7.5-8.5.

Purchase Size: Medium: 2” to 2-1/2”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.