Red Zebra Cichlid: The ultimate Care Guide

 

Red zebra cichlid (Maylandia estherae) is one of my favorite African cichlid fish. It is one of the mbuna cichlids which comes originally from lake Malawi, most of mbuna cichlids lives along the rocky shores of Lake Malawi. 

The red zebra cichlid has an awesome orange color that pops into your fish tank and fills the tank with activity and motion like most African cichlids. 

In this guide, we will cover all you need to know about this fascinating species.

General Information about Red Zebra Cichlid 

Scientific Name: Maylandia estherae

Origin: Lake Malawi rocky shores

Water Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)

Water PH: 7.5-8.5

Size: can grow up to 5 inch

The Red Zebra Cichlid is a freshwater fish from lake Malawi in Africa. It is an omnivore, meaning it eats meat and plant-based food. 

Red Zebra Cichlids are famous for the bright red stripes on their body and black spots on their fins. This makes them easy to distinguish from other types of African cichlids. They are also known for being aggressive like most mbuna because they will attack any other species that enter their territory.

red zebra cichlids' main color is orange, some of them turn to light orange especially males during mating time. males and females have the same color and body shape. red zebras like most Mbuna cichlids are relatively aggressive and territorial fish, They prefer tanks with lots of decoration and rocks, as well as hiding places for them to feel safe.

How big do red zebra cichlids get? 

Red zebra cichlid normally grows to 4.5 inches but can reach up to 5 inches if kept in perfect conditions. to reach to its maximum size you need to provide your fish with a well-balanced diet and high-quality water conditions, especially at their younger age.  

What are The best tank mates for the Red Zebra Cichlid? 

Red zebra's best tank mates are other mbuna species like electric yellow cichlids, snow white mbuna, and other mbuna. they can also be kept with some kinds of plecos and bigger corydoras catfish.

How to know the difference between a male and female of red zebra cichlid?

Red zebra cichlid males will be typically larger than females, the male will be longer and have a more rounded body than the female. females also have larger rounded bellies. but in general, it is hard to tell the difference between the male and female of a mbuna fish. 

What type of food do red zebra cichlids need? 

Red Zebra Cichlids are omnivorous they depend mostly on an herbivorous diet in their natural life, but they also consume some proteins.  so you should provide them with high-quality vegetable-based flakes like spirulina flakes and high proteins billets.

How to grow your red zebra cichlid fast? 

If you have a group of red zebra cichlid juveniles and want to grow them fast to their maximum size then you have to follow the following steps to grow your fish fast. 

1-  Use large enough tank to house your fish depends on the number of fish you want to raise 

2- Feed them 3 times a day 6 days a week 

3- Change 20% of the tank water at least every other day

4- Use a balanced diet of spirulina flakes, high proteins flakes and live food like daphnia or bloodworms