Cobalt Zebra
Description
of the Cobalt Zebra
The Cobalt Zebra is a member of the Mbuna group meaning
"rockfish". Mbanas are Africian Cichlids that are endemic to
Lake Malawi and as their name suggests live amongst the rocks at
the bottom of freshwater lakes. They are maternal mouth brooders
and the female will release the newly hatched fry when they are
approximately 3-4 weeks old.
Profile of
the Cobalt Zebra
This
Profile contains interesting facts and information about the
Cobalt Zebra species.
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Size: Up to 13cm
-
Fish Tank
conditions:
PH 7.6 to 8.8. Temp 24 to 28 Degrees
-
Diet / Feeding:
Dried or Frozen Food
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Temperament:
Aggressive
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Habitat: Rocky
Areas, Freshwater Lakes
-
Behaviour:
Territorial, keep with other 'Mbana' fish to minimise
aggression
-
Range: Endemic
to Malawi, Africa
Scientific
Classification of the Cobalt Zebra
Definition: Scientific
classification, or biological classification, is how biologists
group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical
characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the
science of taxonomy.
Interesting Facts and Information -
How do you identify
the sex of a Cobalt Zebra?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors
or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish
species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes
tricky being an ichthyologist! Male Cobalt Zebra's are more
colorful than females.
Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Cobalt Zebra slimy?
Cobalt Zebra secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin.
This slime provides protection against parasites and infections
and helps the Cobalt Zebra to move through
the water faster. Some fish species also release
toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish
species use their slime to feed their young.
Interesting Facts and Information -
Why do Cobalt Zebra have gills?
Gills enable the Cobalt Zebra to breathe. Gills consist of thin
sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over
the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon
dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a
large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however
have lungs and breathe air.
Interesting Facts and Information -
Why do the Cobalt Zebra have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are
used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different
fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish
species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish
are designed to perform a specific function:
-
Dorsal fins - The
dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Cobalt Zebra
has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.
-
Ventral fins. The
ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The
Cobalt Zebra
has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.
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Caudal fins. The
Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Cobalt Zebra
has Caudal fins to propel through the water.
-
Pectoral fins. The
Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The
Cobalt Zebra
has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to
side movement
Interesting Facts and Information about
Cobalt Zebra
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