| Common Name(s) | Red Zebra Cichlid, Red Zebra mbuna, Esther Grant’s Zebra |
| Scientific Name | Maylandia Estherae |
| Origin | Lake Malawi, Africa |
| Temperature | 72-82°F (22-28°C) |
| Size | Up to 5 inches |
| Minimum Tank Size | 55 gallons |
| Food & Diet | Omnivorous, but mostly herbivorous |
| Lifespan | 5-10 years |
| Water pH | 7.5-8.5 |
| Tank Mates | Some Pleco and Catfish species |
| Breeding | Maternal mouthbrooder |
| Disease | May be susceptible to Swim Bladder Disease and Malawi Bloat. |
Table of Contents
Red Zebra Cichlids (Maylandia Estherae) are beautiful rock-dwelling African Cichlid species. They are endemic to Lake Malawi and can be found along the eastern coast of the lake.
Despite their name, Red Zebra Cichlid, they aren’t always red. They don’t always display the stripes, either. As polymorphic species, they display a range of different colors. These colors can include beige, brown, blue, orange, yellow, and pink.
Since their name doesn’t always match their appearance, they are often broadly labeled at local fish stores as “African Cichlid” or “Assorted African Cichlids.” Ideally, the exact species of the fish should be identified since there are various species of African Cichlids with different care requirements.
Male or Female Red Zebra Cichlids
Distinguishing the difference between male and female Red Zebra Cichlids can be challenging. This is because both males and females can come in various colors.
Male Red Zebra Cichlids generally tend to have a stronger orange coloration. In contrast, female Red Zebra Cichlids tend to have a stronger blue color. As a polymorphic species, this sexual dimorphism is not always observed. There are many blue-colored males and orange-colored females.
Another way of distinguishing the difference between male and female Red Zebra Cichlids is by counting the number of egg spots on their anal fins. Once the fish have reached maturity, males will have 4-7 egg spots. In contrast, females will have 0-3 egg spots.
Red Zebra Cichlid Care
Red Zebra Cichlids are hardy fish that is relatively easy to care for. However, basic requirements must be met while keeping this fish.
First, a minimum tank size of 55 gallons is required. These fish aren’t the most aggressive cichlid species, but they are territorial. Therefore, adequate tank size will help these territorial fish coexist in the same tank.
Regarding the water parameters for the Red Zebra Cichlids, there are a few things to consider as well. The water temperature should be 72-82°F (22-28°C). The pH level should be between 7.5 to 8.5. Water hardness of 150–200 mg/l is ideal.
Regarding the tank setup, plenty of hardscapes should be used. Red Zebra Cichlids are rock dwellers who like to hide in rock caves. Be sure to create a similar habitat in the aquarium as well. As for the substrate, fine gravel or sand can be used. Keep in mind that when the males are trying to define their territory, they may try to move the hardscape around.
Food & Diet
In the wild, Red Zebra Cichlids are omnivorous. They survive off of tiny invertebrates and zooplankton. They are best described as an opportunistic feeder in the wild as they will eat what they can get. In captivity, they will eat a mostly herbivorous diet. Even though they enjoy some proteins in the wild, they will eat mostly plant matter.
Red Zebra Cichlids, like all Cichlids, will become overweight if fed too much or too often. It is better to feed them small amounts several times a day than to feed them a large amount once per day. When feeding, only give them an amount that they can completely consume in a few minutes. This cuts down on waste in your aquarium.
Red Zebra Cichlid Size & Lifespan
The Red Zebra Cichlid can grow up to 5 inches in length. They can live anywhere from 5 to 10 years if cared for properly.
Red Zebra Cichlid Tank Mates
The best tank mates for the Red Zebra Cichlid are fish that do not cross its territory. They are able to be housed fine with some plecos and some species of catfish. It will be important for your fish that you are planning on housing with your Red Zebra Cichlid so they have plenty of hiding places.
You will want to ensure that the aquarium you have is big enough to house more than just the Red Zebra Cichlid, or you will have problems with territorial aggression. It is also advised that you have more females than males in your tank to help with aggression.
Red Zebra Cichlid Aggression
Red Zebra Cichlids are not so aggressive as they are territorial. For this reason, you will want to provide them with the adequate decor in the form of cave structures so that they can pick a territory and claim it. They will spread out and claim territories if there is enough space in your aquarium.
How Aggressive Are Red Zebra Cichlids Compared to Other Cichlids?
Red Zebra Cichlids are not so aggressive as they are territorial. In fact, they are on the more peaceful side when it comes to other Cichlids. They are territorial, and if not given adequate space, they will bully and harass other fish in their aquarium, sometimes to death.
For this reason, the proper aquarium setup for your Red Zebra Cichlids would include several cave-like spaces for them to claim as their territory and spaces for other fish to hide from.
How to Stop an Aggressive Red Zebra Cichlid
The easiest way to stop a Red Zebra Cichlid from being aggressive is to ensure that there is enough space in the aquarium for it and any other fish you have in your tank. You will want to remember that Red Zebra Cichlids are territorial fish, and they will find a space they like, claim it, and guard it against other fish. They claim these spaces so that they can potentially attract a mate.
Red Zebra Cichlid Breeding
Red Zebra Cichlids are best bred with 1 male to every 3 females. This will give you better odds that they will spawn. The males lure the females into their territory by using their vibrant bodies to flash at them. The female will then come into the male’s territory and lay her eggs on a flat surface, usually a rock or a cave nest that the male has set up for the eggs.
Once the female has laid her eggs, she will gather them up in her mouth. This is known as mouthbrooding. Unlike other species of fish, the female gathers the eggs in her mouth instead of the male. Once the male fertilizes the eggs, the female Red Zebra Cichlid will carry them around in her mouth until they hatch. Once the fry hatch, they take time to absorb the egg yolk as it is rather large.
It will take up to 3 weeks for the fry to absorb. Once the fry are free swimming, they can be fed small daphnia or baby brine shrimp.
Are Red Zebra Cichlids Mouth Brooders?
Red Zebra Cichlids are fish that are known as mouth brooders. Mouth brooding is when one of the parent fish keeps the eggs in its mouth until they are ready to fend for itself. In the case of the Red Zebra Cichlid, the female fish carries the eggs until they are ready.
This can take up to 21 days for the fry to absorb the yolk sac of the egg. The female Red Zebra Cichlid can hold her fry for up to 2 weeks until they hatch, and then they will hold them in their mouths for up to 2 weeks longer or until they become free swimming and can fend for themselves.
How Long Do Red Zebra Cichlids Hold Their Fry?
Red Zebra Cichlid females will hold their fry in their mouths until they hatch, which can take up to 2 weeks after fertilization. Once they hatch, the female will hold them for an additional few weeks while letting them out to feed them. She will do this until they are able to fend for themselves. Once your fry is able to care for themselves, you will want to feed them daphnia or baby brine shrimp.
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