最初命名為 Metriaclima phaeos:
ZooBank:903753A7-C23F-4E64-91E1-7C76BCF261A3.
- Stauffer, Jay Richard Jr. & N.J. Bowers, K.A. Kellogg, K.R. McKaye. 1997. "A revision of the blue-black Pseudotropheus zebra (Teleostei: Cichlidae) complex from Lake Malawi, Africa, with a description of a new genus and ten new species". The Proceedings of the Academy Natural Sciences Philadelphia. 148; pp 189-230 (crc00049)
保育: Metriaclima phaeos 被評鑑為國際自然保育聯盟瀕危物種紅皮書名單中的 (LC) 無危 (2018). It is a rather common cichlid in its preferred habitat along an almost 100 km stretch of the east central coast of the lake and no known threats are recognized, apart perhaps from increased sedimentation due to runoff from agricultural activities onshore.