Cynotilapia zebroides Cobue

Cynotilapia zebroides Cobue is collected from the village of Cobue on the Mozambique shoreline of Lake Malawi, directly opposite Likoma Island. Males display a deep royal-blue body with a bold orange-red dorsal fin, slightly more intense than some other zebroides populations. Like all Cynotilapia, the body is more slender and streamlined than the typical stocky mbuna form.

The Cobue population is particularly valued in the hobby for the intensity and saturation of its dorsal fin colouration. Fish from this locality are typically wild-caught and have been in the trade long enough to establish reliable captive-bred lineages in Europe and the United States.

In the aquarium, this species performs well in open-water rocky setups and is moderately territorial. Its less aggressive nature compared to most mbuna means it can form part of a mixed Malawi community without causing excessive casualties among smaller tank mates. A planktivore diet including frozen foods is important for maintaining colouration.

Water: 24-28°C, pH 7.8-8.5, hard alkaline; pristine water quality with strong circulation. Tank: 180L minimum; rocky slopes with open water above for mid-water swimming behaviour. Feeding: Frozen cyclops, artemia, and Daphnia alongside spirulina pellets for complete nutrition. Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder; 8-15 eggs per clutch; brood period approximately 3 weeks. Compatibility: Moderately peaceful; compatible with peacocks and smaller haps; good Malawi community fish.