OB Blueberry Zebra Cichlid (Maylandia estherae)
Common Name: OB Blueberry Zebra Cichlid, Blueberry OB Zebra
Scientific Name: Maylandia estherae
Family: Cichlidae
Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa
 
SPECIES OVERVIEW
The OB Blueberry Zebra Cichlid is a striking Malawi Mbuna cichlid prized for its vibrant blue, orange and mottled "OB" colouration. OB stands for Orange Blotch, referring to the irregular patches of contrasting colour across the body and fins.
This is an active, robust and highly territorial cichlid. Like other Mbuna, it is best suited to a dedicated Lake Malawi aquarium with plenty of rockwork and hiding places.
 
CARE REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Aquarium Size: 250 Litres
Temperament: Aggressive / Territorial
Water Level: All Levels
Diet: Herbivore / Algae Grazer
Activity: Very Active
Social Behaviour: Best kept in groups with a higher female-to-male ratio
WATER PARAMETERS
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 7.6–8.6
Hardness: Hard / Very Hard
Maintain stable, alkaline water conditions with excellent filtration and regular water changes.
 
AQUARIUM SETUP
Create a rocky environment with plenty of caves, crevices and territories. Rockwork should be arranged securely as these fish are active around the substrate and can move or dig around decorations.
A sandy or fine-grained substrate is ideal.
Providing numerous hiding places helps distribute aggression and allows subordinate fish to escape dominant individuals.
 
DIET & FEEDING
OB Blueberry Zebra Cichlids are primarily herbivorous algae grazers.
Suitable foods include:
Spirulina flakes
Spirulina pellets
High-quality Mbuna foods
Algae-based sinking pellets
Vegetable-based foods
Blanched vegetables such as zucchini
Feed small portions several times a day rather than one large meal.
Avoid diets excessively high in animal protein, as Mbuna are adapted to a predominantly plant-based diet and inappropriate feeding can contribute to digestive problems.
 
TANKMATES
These fish are best kept with other Lake Malawi Mbuna of similar size and temperament.
Suitable tankmates may include:
Other Mbuna
Yellow Labs
Acei Cichlids
Other appropriately selected Malawi cichlids
Avoid mixing with peaceful community fish or highly different African cichlid species.
 
GROUP SIZE
Keeping a suitable ratio of females to males can help spread aggression. A group with one male to several females is generally preferable.
Avoid keeping multiple males in smaller aquariums, as territorial disputes can become severe.
 
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
OB Blueberry Zebra Cichlids can reach approximately 12–15 cm and are not recommended for a typical peaceful community aquarium.
Their aggressive and territorial nature means careful stocking and aquarium design are essential. Providing plenty of rockwork, hiding places and visual barriers will help reduce aggression.
With the correct setup, diet and water conditions, these colourful Mbuna can make a spectacular addition to a dedicated Lake Malawi aquarium.