Red Top Mbenji OB (Metriaclima mbenjii 'OB')
| Red Top Mbenji OB Metriaclima mbenjii 'OB' | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Red Top Mbenji OB |
| Name Lat. | Metriaclima mbenjii 'OB' |
| Synonym | Maylandia mbenjii 'OB' |
| Family | Cichlids |
| Family lat. | Cichlidae |
| Order | Cichlids |
| Order lat. | Cichliformes |
| Origin | Lake Malawi |
| Habitat | Rocky habitat |
| Diet | Omnivore, aufwuchs |
| pH | 7.5-8.8 |
| Behavior | Aggressive |
| Keeping | Harem |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Mouthbrooder |
| Breeding | Simple |
| Life Span | 5-8 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 10-12 cm |
| Temperature | 24-28 °C |
| Hardness | 10-25 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 400 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 4"-4.7" |
| Temperature | 75-82 °F |
| Hardness | 178-445 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 100 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the Mbenji zebrafish OB is exclusively (endemic) Lake Malawi, where they are found in the southwest, near Mbenji Island, on the rocky shores. They belong to the group of Mbuna, which lives in the rocky shore zones
Maintenance
The aquarium setup should have rocky structures that reach the water surface, with plenty of crevices, caves and shelters to provide hiding places, as well as sturdy plants and some open sandy areas.
There should be no detectable ammonia, ammonium or nitrite, and the nitrate level should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
They feed mainly on the plant cover (growth) and the microorganisms contained therein. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once daily with a high quality dry food for Malawi cichlids (flakes, granules, pellets) as well as cyclops, daphnia, artemia, krill, etc. (live or frozen). For this purpose, they need vegetable food, such as algae leaves, scalded leafy and wild vegetables or high-quality dry food with vegetable components
Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
They are temperamental and often aggressive within species. They are assertive towards other fish. Males occupy territories, which they defend vigorously against conspecifics. They should be maintained in a harem, one male with several females. They can be socialized well with other cichlids from Lake Malawi, especially from the mbuna group. Basically, only compatible fish species with similar requirements for water conditions and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The male is strongly colored and has distinct yellow egg spots on the anal fin, which are weaker or absent in the smaller female. The females are mostly pale blue or blue-gray.
Reproduction and breeding
They are maternal mouth brooders. The female usually spawns on a shallow rock or in a small burrow. After the male fertilizes the eggs, she immediately takes the female into her throat pouch for mouth brood care and keeps the fry in her throat pouch even after they hatch. After about 4 weeks, the fry are released and brood care ends. During the entire brood care, the female does not take any food.
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the fry is easy prey.
Important
In its range there are some differently colored site variants
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least fortnightly. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: petdata; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF