How to Breed Cobalt Blue Zebras

Cobalt blue zebras are actually a type of freshwater fish, known as a cichlid. These fish are native to Lake Malawi in Africa, and are therefore sometimes known as zebra Malawi cichlids. Cobalt blue zebra cichlids are medium-sized fish, growing to about 5 inches long. They can be quite aggressive in the aquarium, bossing other fish around, and this can sometimes make breeding them tricky. However, when placed in a large aquarium by themselves, they will usually display their fascinating breeding ritual, and you will be rewarded with many young fish.

Things You'll Need

  • Freshwater breeding aquarium, 4 feet by 1 foot by 1 foot
  • Soft substrate
  • Aquarium rocks
  • Water testing kit
  • Live or frozen fish foods
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up a freshwater breeding aquarium. This aquarium should be about 4 feet long, and 1 foot wide and high, to comfortably accommodate the cobalt blue zebra cichlids. This breeding aquarium should only house the cobalt blue zebras to protect the young fish and alleviate distractions and aggression.

    • 2

      Spread a soft substrate, such as a fine sand, on the bottom of the breeding aquarium. Place piles of rocks in the aquarium to create caves. Make sure these rocks are stacked securely, so they don't tip over. You can also use ready-made aquarium cave structures. These caves are where the fish will breed. Place a few flat rocks around the cave structures as well. This setup mimics the cobalt blue zebra cichlid's natural habitat.

    • 3

      Adjust the temperature of the breeding aquarium water so that it is between 77 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Even though these fish can tolerate a wider temperature range, this is the best temperature for breeding. You may need to use an aquarium heater to maintain the temperature.

    • 4

      Use a water testing kit to determine the pH level of the water in the breeding aquarium. This level, which can be adjusted with water additives, should be between 8.2 and 8.5.

    • 5

      Place one male and at least three female cobalt blue zebra cichlids in the breeding aquarium. Male zebra cichlids can often become aggressive towards a female fish. By keeping more than one female with the male, the chance of aggression is lessened. Male cobalt blue zebra cichlids have brighter, more vibrant colors than the females. Male cichlids also have egg spots, small white spots, on their anal fins.

    • 6

      Feed the cobalt blue zebras a nutritious diet of live or frozen foods, such as bloodworms. This diet will encourage spawning.

    • 7

      Watch the fish. The male will choose a territory, which will then be cleaned of all debris. This space is usually a flat rock outside of a cave. The male will then entice a female over to the breeding area.

    • 8

      Observe the spawning of the cobalt blue zebras. The female will lay the eggs, then scoop them back up into her mouth. The female will then follow the male's tail fin, thinking the egg spots on the fin are more eggs needing to be picked up. When the female gets close, the male releases the sperm, which the female takes into her mouth, fertilizing the eggs. The female will keep the eggs in her mouth for about 3 weeks, until they hatch.