Another of my mbuna from Lake Malawi (with Minos Reef being the most common location referenced) with the common name "red zebra".   In the wild most of the males are blue but the red/orange males have been bred almost exclusively in the USA aquarium trade.  This cichlid is no longer in the Pseudotropheus genus but it seems that no one can decide for sure if the new genus name should be Metriaclima or Maylandia.  

In June 2008 purchased some F1 (first generation from wild caught) M. estherae.  So for the first time I have the "blue" males.

Above and below are the F1 female estherae.  Note that these females have 5 to 9 egg spots.

The blue isn't really all that blue.  It is more of a dull blue-gray.  I'm not real sure why people have so much trouble distinguishing between the Metriaclima callainos (blue cobalt zebra) and the blue male Metriaclima estherae.

Next Malawi cichlid <== Maylandia zebra "red dorsal"                        HOME

see also:

http://malawicichlids.com/mw09008g.htm  (picture of blue males)

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/m_estherae.php

http://www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/Fishindx/estherae.htm  (picture of blue males)

http://www.gcca.net/fom/Maylandia_estherae.htm