The Red Zebra Cichlid (Maylandia estherae or Metriaclima estherae) is a popular, rock-dwelling freshwater fish native to Lake Malawi in Africa. Known as a "Mbuna," it is prized for its vibrant orange-to-red hues and active, social personality.
Core Characteristics
Size & Lifespan: Reaches an adult size of 4–5 inches (10–13 cm) and can live for 6–10 years with proper care.
Appearance: Despite the name, many captive specimens appear more bright orange or yellow. In the wild, males are often blue with stripes, while females are beige-brown, though the "red-orange" morph is most common in the aquarium hobby.
Temperament: Semi-aggressive and highly territorial. They are known to be "bullies" if not provided with enough space and hiding spots.
Aquarium Care Requirements
Tank Size: A minimum of 55 gallons is recommended for a small colony.
Water Parameters: Prefers hard, alkaline water with a pH of 7.8–8.6 and temperature between 24°C–28°C (75°F–82°F).
Environment: Decorate with plenty of rocks and caves to mimic their natural rocky habitat and provide territories. Use a sandy substrate, as they enjoy digging.
Diet: Primarily herbivorous. Feed high-quality spirulina-based flakes or pellets and blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach. Avoid high-protein "meaty" foods, which can cause fatal Malawi Bloat.
Tank Mates: Best kept with other robust Mbuna species like Yellow Labs, Rusty Cichlids, or Acei Cichlids. Avoid mixing with more passive "Peacocks" or "Haps".
Ratio: To manage aggression, it is best to keep a "harem" ratio of 1 male to 3–6 females.
