Red Zebra African Cichlid – Maylandia estherae

The Red Zebra African Cichlid is a vibrant freshwater fish known for its striking orange to red coloration and bold personality. This popular species among cichlid enthusiasts adds a splash of color to aquariums while exhibiting interesting behavior.

Description:

Common Name: Red Zebra African Cichlid

Scientific Name: Maylandia estherae

Family: Cichlidae

Size: 4-6 inches (10-15 cm)

Temperament: Semi-aggressive; can be territorial, especially during breeding.

Difficulty: Moderate

Native Region:

Native to the rocky shores of Lake Malawi in East Africa, where it thrives among the rocks and crevices of its natural habitat.

Aquarium Setup:

Tank Size: Minimum of 30 gallons

Temperature: 75-82F (24-28C)

pH: 7.5-8.5

Hardness: Moderately hard to hard water

Substrate: Fine gravel or sand with plenty of rocks and caves to provide hiding places and territories.

Additional Tips:

Social Behavior: Best kept with similarly sized cichlids to reduce aggression; provide plenty of hiding spots to help establish territories.

Compatibility: Compatible with other African cichlids and larger community fish; avoid small or timid species that may be bullied.

Diet: Omnivorous; provide a varied diet of high-quality cichlid pellets, flakes, and occasional live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms for optimal health.