{"product_id":"pseudotropheus-zebra-kavanga-gold","title":"Pseudotropheus zebra Kavanga Gold 7","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePseudotropheus zebra Kavanga Gold\u003c\/strong\u003e is a stunning Malawi mbuna cichlid prized for its rich golden colouration, bold body shape and active personality. Offered here at \u003cstrong\u003e7-9 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, this fish is a superb choice for aquarists looking to build a vibrant Lake Malawi display with real movement and character. Like other mbuna, it is energetic, territorial and best kept in a carefully planned hardwater setup with rockwork and compatible tank mates.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a fish for hobbyists who enjoy the behaviour of African cichlids and want a showpiece species with plenty of presence. In the right aquarium, the Kavanga Gold develops excellent colour and confident behaviour, making it a standout addition to a dedicated Malawi community. We provide \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e and a \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e for peace of mind when ordering your fish online.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs with all mbuna, success comes from matching the aquarium to the fish rather than the other way round. Provide stable water chemistry, plenty of hiding places and a sensible stocking plan, and this species can thrive for many years.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare at a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCare factor\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cem\u003ePseudotropheus zebra\u003c\/em\u003e Kavanga Gold\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eKavanga Gold Mbuna\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdult size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApprox. 12-15 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSemi-aggressive\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCare level\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum tank size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e250 litres+\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24-27°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.8-8.6\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrimarily herbivorous mbuna diet with algae-based foods\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTank region\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMiddle to bottom\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; Natural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis fish originates from \u003cstrong\u003eLake Malawi\u003c\/strong\u003e in East Africa, one of the world’s most famous rift lakes and home to an extraordinary diversity of cichlids. Mbuna are rock-dwelling cichlids that live among broken stone, boulders and crevices along the shoreline. Their natural environment is bright, mineral-rich and highly oxygenated, with strong water movement and a hard, alkaline chemistry.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Kavanga Gold form is associated with the mbuna complex and reflects the vivid colour varieties that have made Malawi cichlids so popular in the aquarium hobby. In nature, these fish graze on aufwuchs, a mix of algae, microorganisms and tiny invertebrates growing on rocks. This feeding style shapes both their diet and their behaviour in captivity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnderstanding their natural habitat is key to keeping them well. They are not general community fish and do best in an aquarium designed to mimic rocky Malawi shores, with open swimming space and plenty of territorial boundaries.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Setup \u0026amp; Water Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAmbitious aquascaping is not necessary, but a \u003cstrong\u003erock-heavy layout\u003c\/strong\u003e is essential. Use stacked slate, limestone, lava rock or other inert hardscape to create caves, ledges and visual barriers. These structures help break lines of sight and reduce aggression. A sandy substrate is ideal, as mbuna enjoy sifting and exploring the bottom of the tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor a healthy setup, aim for strong filtration and good water circulation. Malawi cichlids produce a significant bioload, so oversized filtration and regular maintenance are important. Stable water quality matters more than chasing exact numbers, but the aquarium should remain consistently hard and alkaline.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemperature: 24-27°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003epH: 7.8-8.6\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGeneral hardness: hard water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmmonia\/Nitrite: 0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNitrate: kept as low as practical through maintenance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause this species is territorial, stocking strategy is important. Keep either a species setup or a carefully selected Malawi community with enough space and rockwork to diffuse aggression. Overcrowding can sometimes reduce chasing in mbuna tanks, but only when filtration and aquascaping are up to the task.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen acclimating new fish, take your time and match temperature and water chemistry as closely as possible. A stable environment from day one helps reduce stress and supports long-term health.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePseudotropheus zebra\u003c\/em\u003e Kavanga Gold is best fed a diet based on \u003cstrong\u003equality vegetable matter and spirulina-rich foods\u003c\/strong\u003e. In the wild, mbuna graze on algae and biofilm, so their digestive systems are not suited to rich, high-protein diets. Overfeeding meaty foods can lead to digestive problems and poor condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOffer a varied menu of:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpirulina flakes and pellets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh-quality mbuna cichlid pellets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlanched spinach, courgette or peas in small amounts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOccasional frozen foods only if used sparingly and appropriately\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eFeed small portions once or twice daily, only as much as the fish will consume quickly. A lean, fibre-rich diet helps maintain colour, activity and digestive health. Avoid feeder fish and avoid making this a protein-heavy setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates \/ Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a \u003cstrong\u003esemi-aggressive mbuna\u003c\/strong\u003e and should be kept with fish that can handle the same hardwater conditions and assertive behaviour. Good tank mates are other Lake Malawi cichlids of similar size and temperament, ideally from different colour patterns to reduce confusion and rivalry. A ratio of one male to several females is often used in breeding groups, though hobbyists should be prepared for territorial behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable companions may include robust mbuna and selected Malawi haps of appropriate size, provided the aquarium is large enough and the aquascape offers plenty of cover. Avoid peaceful community fish, slow-moving species, long-finned fish and anything that requires soft, acidic water.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs with most mbuna, compatibility depends heavily on tank size, stocking density and individual temperament. Introducing all fish together and rearranging rockwork before adding new stock can help reduce territorial disputes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Tropical Fish Co\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt Tropical Fish Co, we select fish with care and pack them to arrive in excellent condition. Our \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e gives you confidence when ordering online, and our \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e helps minimise transit stress. We understand the needs of specialist fish like Malawi mbuna and aim to provide healthy, well-conditioned stock for serious aquarists.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhether you are building your first African cichlid aquarium or adding a standout fish to an established Lake Malawi collection, \u003cem\u003ePseudotropheus zebra\u003c\/em\u003e Kavanga Gold offers colour, personality and long-term interest. With the right setup, this species becomes a rewarding centrepiece that brings constant activity to the tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eChoose a proper mbuna environment, feed sensibly and maintain stable water quality, and you will be rewarded with a hardy, charismatic cichlid that truly shines in the home aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"7 - 9 cm","offer_id":57446800851279,"sku":"L850","price":35.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"5 - 6 cm","offer_id":57467418607951,"sku":"L847","price":25.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"4-5 cm","offer_id":57560317722959,"sku":"L849","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/pseudotropheus-zebra-kavanga-gold-natural-aquarium-l850.webp?v=1777853256","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/pseudotropheus-zebra-kavanga-gold","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}