[firemedic1169]

I have what thought was a male metriaclima callainos cobolt blue zebra. was online trying to find 4-5 female metriaclima cal to go with him and the pics saw from the vendors website didn't look exactly the same. It may be a pearl zebra.
So I guess my questions is:
1. Is it a cobolt blue zebra or is it a pearl zebra?

2. Do I have to buy exactly the same or am I good with either one as long as its a metria cal?

 

[dielikemoviestars]

I've never seen a callainos with that black dorsal stripe before, so I can't put my money on that. I have no idea what a "pearl zebra" is. That's a trade name that means nothing.

 

[firemedic1169]

Its not actually a black stripe. Its more of a deeper blue area before the ends of the fin thats almost transparent.
One of the site sponsors lists a metriaclima callainos (cobalt blue zebra and a metriaclima callainos pearl zebra.

 

[Fogelhund]

A pearl zebra is the white form of Metriaclima callainos, a common name that has been in use for over 25 years.
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/s ... hp?id=2593

It is best to only get the same strain. I've never seen a callainos with that marking either.

 

[firemedic1169]

A pearl zebra is the white form of Metriaclima callainos, a common name that has been in use for over 25 years.
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/s ... hp?id=2593

It is best to only get the same strain. I've never seen a callainos with that marking either.

What do you think it is than? the blue on the dorsal fin is more apparent in the pics than in person. I never really noticed it until it was pointed out here. It is more like a stripe of the shiny blue similar to the dot of shiny blue you can see on his gills. I think the flash of the camera makes it stand out more.

 

[GTZ]

Estherae?
Disclaimer: I'm terrible at ID'ing fish. :roll:

 

[firemedic1169]

Estherae?
Disclaimer: I'm terrible at ID'ing fish. :roll:

I haven't found a pic of an Estherae this color :-?

 

[Fogelhund]

M. estherae wouldn't have that line in the dorsal either.

Either it is singular fish with an abnormal marking, or it is a hybrid... hard to say for certain, unless you know the background of it's parents.

 

[firemedic1169]

M. estherae wouldn't have that line in the dorsal either.

Either it is singular fish with an abnormal marking, or it is a hybrid... hard to say for certain, unless you know the background of it's parents.

Came from my LFS so no possibility of that

 

[Frenzy]

No way is it a pearl.

Colour notwithstanding it's a classic looking met call. Head shape is right. Finnage is right. Caudal peduncle is right. Jaw looks right as well.

I think it's like fogelhound said, single fish with abnormal marking.

 

[dielikemoviestars]

Shoot. I fail re: pearl zebra. Never heard that before.

 

[Frenzy]

Metriaclima " pearl"

 

[Fruiz_99]

Pretty sure it's a Pseudotropheus socolofi I have one looks exactly like that.