OB Zebra Cichlid

The OB Zebra is produced when the Orange Blotch mutation is expressed in Mbuna cichlids that would otherwise display zebra-stripe colouration. The result is a fish with an irregular mosaic of orange-red and black patches across the body in place of the regular vertical stripes of the standard zebra form. As with all OB individuals, the pattern is unique to each fish.

OB Zebras are among the most popular Mbuna in the hobby due to their striking patterning and the variety of colours available depending on which zebra species they derive from. They display all the bold, active behaviour typical of Mbuna and are excellent additions to properly stocked Malawi cichlid aquariums.

Because the OB gene was introduced via hybridisation, OB Zebras are technically hybrids rather than pure species. This makes them unsuitable for species-pure breeding programs but excellent display fish for the general aquarist.

Water: 24–28°C, pH 7.8–8.5, hard water; maintain with coral gravel substrate or regular buffer additions. Tank: 200L minimum; very heavily decorated with rocks; many territories reduce overall aggression. Feeding: Herbivore-leaning; spirulina-based pellets; vegetable matter; avoid high-protein foods that promote bloat. Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder; female holds small clutch 3–4 weeks; prolific spawners. Compatibility: Aggressive; suitable only in Mbuna community aquariums with appropriate species.