Red Zebra Cichlid

RED ZEBRA CICHLID

Maylandia estherae
(also known as Metriaclima estherae)

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📍 BASIC INFO

Origin: East Africa – Lake Malawi

Adult Size: 4.5″–6″

Temperament: Aggressive / Territorial

Care Level: ⭐ Moderate

Tank Level: Middle / Bottom

🍽 DIET

Omnivore / Primarily Herbivorous

Accepts: Spirulina flakes, vegetable-based cichlid pellets, algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and occasional brine shrimp or mysis

✔ COMPATIBILITY

Best kept with similarly sized Lake Malawi Mbuna that can tolerate its active, territorial behavior. Avoid peaceful community fish, small species, and slow-moving or long-finned tankmates. Keep one male with several females to distribute aggression.

💧 WATER PARAMETERS

pH: 7.8–8.6

Temperature: 75–80°F

Ammonia: 0 ppm

Nitrite: 0 ppm

Nitrate: <30 ppm

⭐ HIGHLIGHT

A bold Lake Malawi Mbuna prized for its brilliant red-orange coloration, sturdy body, and energetic personality. Its intense color creates an eye-catching display in a properly arranged African cichlid aquarium.

📝 CARE NOTES

Provide abundant rockwork, caves, visual barriers, strong filtration, and highly oxygenated alkaline water. Maintain a vegetable-rich diet and avoid excessive fatty or protein-heavy foods, which may contribute to digestive problems and Malawi bloat. Regular partial water changes are essential.

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