Pseudotropheus Greshakei Malawi African Cichlid

Overview

The Ice Blue Zebra, or William's Mbuna, is a Lake Malawi cichlid whose males wear a pale powder-blue body topped by a vivid orange-red dorsal fin; females are a muted grey-brown. It comes only from Makokola Reef and Crocodile Rocks in the south-east of the lake. Robust and assertive, it is a fish for a dedicated mbuna community rather than a general tank.

• Adult Size: Around 12–13 cm (5 in); females smaller
• Lifespan: 8–10 years

Origin

• Native to: Lake Malawi: Makokola Reef and Crocodile Rocks
• Habitat: Rocky shoreline and reef, sediment-rich boulder zones

Feeding

• Diet: Omnivorous, mainly vegetable
• Preferred Foods: Spirulina flakes, cichlid pellets, algae wafers, blanched courgette, daphnia, brine shrimp
• Feeding Habits: Two small feeds daily; vegetable heavy; limit bloodworm

Tank Mates

• Best with: Other robust mbuna of different colour and pattern; Labidochromis, Labeotropheus
• Avoid: Other blue Maylandia (hybridise), peaceful haps, small or slow fish

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Aggressive, especially males
• Territoriality: Strongly territorial; one male per tank with several females

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Challenges: Male aggression; needs space, heavy rockwork and strong filtration

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, hard and alkaline
• Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)
• pH: 7.5–8.5
• Hardness: 10–25 dGH
• Flow: Moderate
• Tank Size: Minimum 250 litres; larger is better for a mbuna community

Final Notes

Buy with a large, rock-filled tank in mind; a dominant male will claim a big territory and can bully rivals badly in cramped quarters. Females are brownish-grey and easily mistaken for other Maylandia, so keep it away from Zebra types to prevent hybrids. It is a maternal mouthbrooder that spawns readily in a harem of one male to several females. Give it room and it becomes one of the most striking blue-and-orange mbuna you can keep.