Maylandia

The cobalt blue zebra, Maylandia callainos, is an mbuna endemic to the north of Lake Malawi. Formerly Pseudotropheus callainos and Metriaclima callainos, it is still named as one of these by many sources and has been sold as Pseudotropheus zebra 'pearly'. It is very easily confused with similar species such as M. estherae and M. benetos. Aggressive and territorial, it can be combined with other mbuna but not with peaceful species such as peacocks or utaka.

The red top ice blue zebra, Maylandia greshakei, is an mbuna endemic to Lake Malawi, found only around Makokola in the southeast of the lake. It inhabits the upper parts of rocky reefs next to open water, leaving the reef to feed on phytoplankton. Formerly Pseudotropheus greshakei and Metriaclima greshakei, it is still named as either of these by many sources. Aggressive and territorial, it can be combined with other mbuna but not with peaceful species such as peacocks or utaka.

The zebra mbuna, Maylandia zebra, is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, where it inhabits rocky zones around shores, reefs and islands. One of the more aggressive mbuna, it is not a fish for a general community aquarium. It should be kept in a Malawi tank at around three females to each male.