Cobalt Blue
Maylandia callainos
A bold mbuna that rewards keepers who understand cichlid politics.
About
Native to the rocky shorelines around Nkhata Bay in Lake Malawi, this cichlid, Maylandia callainos, is a member of the mbuna group and comes in three recognized color forms: cobalt blue, orange blotch, and pearl zebra. It has also been sold under the names Pseudotropheus callainos and Pseudotropheus zebra 'pearly', so you may encounter it under different labels at shops. The coloration can cause confusion with closely related species like the red zebra and M. benetos, so knowing your source is helpful. In the aquarium, this is a fish that demands respect for its temperament. Males in particular are combative toward one another and ramp up that aggression considerably when spawning is on their minds. The classic mbuna management approach applies here: overstock to break up sight lines and territory formation, keep multiple females per male to distribute any harassment, and avoid mixing with more passive cichlids like peacocks or utaka. Given the right company and a well-structured tank with plenty of rockwork, it settles into a manageable routine. Breeding follows typical mbuna mechanics, with the female carrying fertilized eggs in her mouth for several weeks. The fry emerge large enough to handle small live foods right away. This is a workable species for keepers who have some cichlid experience and realistic expectations about aggression.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Cobalt Blue
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Cobalt Blue get?
- The Cobalt Blue reaches about 2–4.5" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Cobalt Blue need?
- A minimum of 29 gallons is recommended for the Cobalt Blue.
- What water parameters does the Cobalt Blue need?
- The Cobalt Blue does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 7.2–8.8, hardness around 5–30 dGH.
- Is the Cobalt Blue aggressive?
- The Cobalt Blue is aggressive and is best kept alone or with robust tankmates that can hold their own.
- What does the Cobalt Blue eat?
- The Cobalt Blue is a herbivore. It needs a plant-based diet such as algae, blanched vegetables, or spirulina-based foods.
- How long does the Cobalt Blue live?
- With good care, the Cobalt Blue typically lives 2-5 years.