Metriaclima callainos 'White Tail'

Metriaclima callainos 'White Tail' is a locale or line-bred variant of the Cobalt Blue Zebra recognised by the distinctive white to pale-silver colouration of the caudal fin, which contrasts sharply with the electric-blue body. This trait makes males especially eye-catching during territorial displays and courtship.

Behaviour and care requirements mirror those of the standard Cobalt Blue — highly territorial males, passive females, and a mouthbrooding reproductive strategy. The White Tail variant does well in mixed mbuna setups provided the tank is sufficiently large and broken up with rockwork. As with all Metriaclima, avoid housing with closely related or similarly coloured species unless the tank exceeds 300 L with multiple distinct territories. Water chemistry must remain hard and alkaline; softer or acidic conditions quickly lead to health decline.

Water: 24–28°C, pH 7.8–8.5, hard (GH 10–25, KH 6–15); hard tap water or Rift Lake salts can be used to maintain parameters. Tank: 200 L minimum; stacked rockwork creating caves with open sand areas; avoid over-stocking. Feeding: Spirulina flake, algae wafers, and high-quality cichlid pellets; occasional Mysis shrimp. Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder holding 21–28 days; isolate brooding female or use a breeding trap for fry recovery. Compatibility: Compatible with other robust mbuna; separate males of same or similar species unless very large tank.