Snow White Cichlid -4"

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Maylandia zebra (formerly Pseudotropheus zebra)
• Common Name: Snow White Cichlid (a leucistic or selectively bred morph of Maylandia zebra)
• Adult Size: 5–6 inches (13–15 cm)
• Life Expectancy: 6–10 years
• Habitat: Rocky shorelines (known as "mbuna" zones) of Lake Malawi, Africa

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons (larger preferred for groups or mixed cichlid setups)
• Ideal Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• pH Range: 7.8–8.6
• Water Hardness: 10–20 dGH
• Temperament: Aggressive and territorial, especially males; best kept with similarly tempered Mbuna or in species-only tanks

Diet & Nutrition

• Omnivorous: Yes (primarily herbivorous in nature)
  • Feed a plant-based diet: spirulina flakes, algae wafers, veggie pellets
  • Supplement occasionally with protein-rich treats like brine shrimp
  • Avoid rich animal proteins (e.g. bloodworms) to prevent Malawi bloat

Appearance

• Solid, bright white or ivory body color with faint to no barring
• Fins may have a slight bluish or iridescent tint depending on lighting and genetics
• Males may show a subtle pink or bluish hue on the face or fins during breeding

Distinctive Features

• Leucistic coloration (not albino—eyes are dark, not red)
• Thick, stocky Mbuna body typical of Maylandia zebra
• Requires rockwork and hiding spots to establish territories