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Metriaclima sp."zebra mbowe" can only be found at Mbowe Island. They are living there in intermediate zones from rocks to sand on depths between 10 and 25 meters where they can be observed frequently in large schools, however, they can also be found in small groups or alone. In the lake the males of these species can grow to 12 cm, in the aquarium however they can grow taller because of a good feeding. The males can then grow to about 14 cm, females grow to about 10 cm. Metriaclima sp."zebra mbowe" can sometimes be pretty intolerant against equal species, against other inhabitants they are in general tolerant. You can best keep this species with multiple females and other mbuna in an aquarium with a lot of hiding places. In the lake they are mainly feeding themselves with plankton in the open water up to 2 metres above the rocks but they also feed on algae and invertebrates which they find on these rocks. In the aquarium they are comfortable with any food. They take everything they get offered, like spirulina pellets, mysis, artemia, cyclops and shrimp-peas mix. Food rich of algae like spirulina pellets or flakes is very important to them so this should not be missing on their menu. 
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