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Metriaclima barlowi can be found on different places in the southern part of the lake like the Mbenji Islands, the Maleri Islands, Chidunga Rocks, Mazinzi Reef, Thumbi West Island, on the coast of Nkhudzi and near Eccles Reef. They are living there in the rocky parts of the intermediate zones from rocks to sand. This variant is from Mbenji Island. In the lake the males of these species can grow to 10 cm, in the aquarium however they can grow taller because of a good feeding. The males can then grow to about 12 cm, females grow to about 10 cm. Metriaclima barlowi can behave 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 algae, invertebrates and plankton. 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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