Information on the Cobalt Blue Cichlid

The cobalt blue cichlid inhabits rocky areas in Africa's Lake Malawi. This vividly colored freshwater fish is also called the cobalt blue mbuna, and occasionally the cobalt zebra. Cobalt blue cichlids are mouth breeders, and the mature female carries and incubate up to 60 eggs in her mouth at a time. This species is polygamous, and males breed with more than one female. The cobalt cichlid is an herbivore that feeds on algae that covers the rocky shoreline of the lake.

  1. Physical Appearance

    • The cobalt blue cichlid has a typical mbuna body form. These beautifully colored little cichlids can reach a length of 5 inches. Coloration is very dependent on the geographical population and also on the fish's mood. Cobalt blue cichlids typically exhibit seven to eight dark vertical stripes over a blue background. Depending on their mood, the stripes can be absent and the fish will appear to be pale blue. An albino form of the cobalt blue cichlid exists.

    Aquarium Requirements

    • Cobalt blue cichlids are aggressive fish that should not be included in mixed community tanks. These very attractive cichlids are best housed in groups of up to 10 specimens, to prevent any one individual from becoming the target of focused aggression. Cobalt blue cichlids will appreciate the inclusion of numerous rocks, to rest and hide under or behind, whenever necessary in their aquarium.

      These cichlids construct nests from small stones, and the substrate in their aquarium should consist of smooth gravel to prevent damage to their mouths. Cobalt blue cichlid aquariums should hold between 75 and 100 gallons.

    Reproduction

    • Male cobalt cichlids construct a rudimentary nest in the substrate and establish a territory around this gravel pit. Gravid females are attracted to the intensely colored males and release a number of eggs into nest, after the two fish initially engage in mildly aggressive behavior. The female cobalt blue cichlid then collects the eggs in her mouth and also attempts to gather the "egg spots" that appear on the anal fin of the male fish. As the female approaches these fascinating markings, the male releases his milt or sperm and thereby fertilizes those eggs that are already in her mouth. The female cobalt cichlid incubates the eggs in her mouth for up to 25 days.

    Water Parameters and Behavior

    • Cobalt blue cichlids enjoy water of 77 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. These cichlids have adapted to water with a relatively high pH and prefer water that is alkaline. Cobalt blue cichlids are active during the daylight, and they can be found in the middle to surface waters of Lake Malawi.