Maison Reef Chilumba Zebra

Description

Metriaclima fainzilberi: An In-depth Analysis

The cichlid species, Metriaclima fainzilberi, is a popular freshwater fish among aquarists and researchers alike, and for a good reason. Its captivating appearance and fascinating behavioral traits have captured the attention of many. Known also as the “Chilumba Zebra” and “Goldbreast Zebra”, this species exhibits a myriad of intriguing characteristics.

1. Distribution and Habitat
Metriaclima fainzilberi inhabits the rocky terrains of Lake Malawi, which borders Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Its expansive distribution is evident along the Tanzanian coast, stretching from Matema to Hai Reef, and even extends to Mozambican waters, reaching as far south as Lumbaulo. On Malawi’s coastline, these fish can be found between Mdoka and Usisya.

Preferring the sediment-free, rocky biotopes of the lake, these cichlids often dwell in shallow waters among small to medium-sized rocks. The species avoids areas with rocks scattered on sandy floors. Instead, they prefer rocky habitats that offer ample shelters, which serve as retreat and spawning sites.

2. Physical Characteristics and Morphology
Being medium-sized, these fish are truly a sight to behold. The males exhibit an impressive blue base color with black bars, and depending on the population, the dorsal fin color varies from blue to yellow to orange. Females, on the other hand, are predominantly brown to bluish-gray, with some occasionally showing a distinct pattern of vertical bars.

Metriaclima fainzilberi is renowned for its beautiful ‘Marmalade Cats’ variant, characterized by its striking blotches. This polychromatism phenomenon, where populations contain OB (orange blotch) and O (orange) morphs along with normally colored individuals, is a testament to the species’ genetic diversity.

3. Diet and Feeding Habits
A distinct feature of Metriaclima fainzilberi is its feeding pattern. They are algae combers, predominantly feeding on diatoms and small algal strands. Their unique feeding mechanism involves combing loose material from the algae matrix by aligning the teeth of both jaws in the same plane and raking through the algae. Apart from this, large schools of this species can often be observed feeding on plankton in the water column.

4. Reproductive Behavior
An intriguing aspect of this cichlid species is its reproductive behavior. They are maternal mouth-brooders. Males, during breeding periods, zealously defend territories focused around caves among rocks. Females, after mating, undertake the arduous task of brooding the eggs in their mouths for approximately three weeks without feeding.

5. Conservation Status
According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Metriaclima fainzilberi is categorized under “Least Concern” in their Red List of Threatened Species (2018). This cichlid species is abundant and widespread within its range.

6. Aquarium Care
Caring for Metriaclima fainzilberi in captivity requires an understanding of its natural habitat. For breeding, an ideal setup includes a single male and 4-6 females in a species tank. They thrive in aquariums that mimic their natural rocky environments. As aggressive territorial creatures, males can be hostile, hence it’s advisable to house only one male in an aquarium.

7. Taxonomy and Nomenclature
The journey of its scientific name is as riveting as the species itself. Initially described as Pseudotropheus fainzilberi by Wolfgang Staeck in 1976, its classification underwent several modifications before being recognized as Metriaclima fainzilberi. It’s named in honor of Misha Fainzilber, a notable tropical fish exporter of that period.

8. Conclusion
Metriaclima fainzilberi stands out not just for its dazzling appearance but also its unique behaviors and intriguing biology. The intricate details of its feeding, breeding, and territorial behaviors are testament to the complex and rich biodiversity of Lake Malawi. With continuing research, we might discover even more about this captivating species, enriching our understanding of freshwater cichlids.