Platinum OB Masinje

Metriaclima sp. "Masinje OB/MC Zebra"

Platinum OB Masinje is a Masinje zebra-type mbuna with platinum OB/MC patterning. Males develop the strongest display with maturity, while some females may show blotching and others may carry the OB trait without showing it strongly.

Origin and Habitat

Native Region: Lake Malawi Masinje zebra-type stock in the aquarium trade.
Natural Habitat: Rocky shoreline habitat where zebra-type mbuna graze and defend territories.

Physical Characteristics

Size: 5-6 inches.
Coloration: Variable platinum OB/MC blotching; males usually show the strongest color and pattern with maturity.
Body Shape: Robust zebra-type mbuna body built for active rockwork movement.

Behavior and Temperament

Temperament: Mildly aggressive.
Social Behavior: Best in a mbuna community with rockwork, sight breaks, and compatible fish of similar size.

Aquarium Care

Tank Size: A 55 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended.
Water Parameters: 74-84°F, pH 7.4-8.4, hard water.
Tank Setup: Provide sand, stacked rockwork, caves, grazing surfaces, and strong filtration.

Diet and Feeding

Primary Staple: Feed a quality daily diet such as Ron’s Mbuna Food.
Juveniles: Growing fish can be fed Ron’s Juvenile Food.
Fry: Newly released fry should be started on Ron’s Fry Food.
Feeding Frequency: Feed 1–2 small meals daily and avoid overfeeding.

Breeding

Breeding Type: Maternal mouthbrooder.
Breeding Notes: Males defend rocky territories and females mouthbrood eggs and fry. OB expression can vary in offspring.

Tank Mates

Compatible With: Other Lake Malawi mbuna and similarly sized African cichlids.
Avoid: Look-alike zebra males in cramped tanks, delicate community fish, and very small tank mates.